How to Go Trail Running on the Scott Paul Trail, Washington

Located near Mount Baker near Bellingham, Washington, the Scott Paul Trail is one of the most challenging 8-mile trail loops in the United States. The Scott Paul Trail offers stunning views of Mount Baker and nearby glaciers and lets experienced trail runners test their skills against a variety of obstacles, such as streams, steep hills and even snow and ice.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Trail running shoes
• Gaiters
• Trail running apparel
• Water

1. Check with the National Park Service or Forest Service in Washington before you go trail running. Weather conditions can be quite unpredictable around Mount Baker, and the chance of an early snow is common, even in late spring and late summer.
2. Choose the appropriate gear. While typical trail running shoes may be adequate for most parts of the trail, you may need to buy gaiters, which provide a waterproof covering below your knees, to wade across rivers and streams. Glaciers in the area can create wet and muddy trail conditions that can shift and change without notice.
3. Obtain a map of the Scott Paul Trail, which is located in the Mount Baker National Recreation Area east of Bellingham, Washington. If you're visiting from outside the region, you should fly into Seattle. From Bellingham, you should drive east along Highway 20, about 15 miles past the town of Sedro Woolley. Make a left at Baker Lake Highway. Make a left on Forest Road 12, and then turn right at Forest Road 13.
4. Go trail running at the Scott Paul Trail by finding the trailhead kiosk at the end of Forest Road 13. Then cross the wooden bridge into the meadows beyond. By following the signs for the trail, you will soon discover steep hills and breathtaking vistas of Mount Baker and its surrounding glaciers.
5. Log onto the Forest Service website for the Mount Baker area to check trail conditions or get specific directions to the Scott Paul Trail (see Resources below).

Tips & Warnings

• Always bring additional warm clothing for your trail run on the Scott Paul Trail. Even though the trail tops out at just 1,800 feet, the weather can turn nasty quickly, even in the summer.