Mount Baker Wild is an all-volunteer group working to protect Mount Baker's spectacular wildlands. Many people assume that some of our most popular hiking destinations are protected as park or wilderness, but amazingly, they aren't! We offer these hikes so that others who care about wilderness can see for themselves why we think these special places deserve protection. The hikes are free and carpools are encouraged. Riders are asked to chip in proportionately on gas.

All hikes are limited to a maximum of 12 people, including the leader(s). Call the number listed for more details and to reserve your spot—first come, first served. A waiting list will be kept for hikes that fill up and additional hikes may be offered. If you need to cancel, please do so as soon as possible so others have an opportunity to take your place. Hikes will generally go ahead even in less-than-ideal weather. If it's stormy, the leader may cancel or suggest an alternative destination that's less exposed to the weather. Since mountain weather can change rapidly, always bring raingear and warm clothing.

Hikes generally depart Bellingham around 8:00 am, but check with the leader to be sure, and for directions to the carpool meeting place, as well as more information on what to bring. You don't have to be a star athlete to participate, but it helps if you are reasonably fit and have some previous hiking experience. If you can hike up to Fragrance Lake in the Chuckanuts in under 1.5 hours without feeling exhausted, you are probably in good enough shape for most of the hikes listed. Watch for more hikes on the website (see www.mtbakerwild.org).

Sturdy boots or lightweight trail shoes with lug soles	Insect repellent
Shorts & t-shirt are okay in good weather (NO cotton or denim jeans!)	Sun block/lip balm

Day pack	Sweater or jacket	Foam pad to sit on	Sunglasses
Lunch & snacks	Gaitors (check with leader)	Pocket knife	Small first-aid kit
2 liters water	Sun hat	Whistle	TP & personal items
Flashlight or headlamp	Rain gear	Camera/binoculars (optional)	Map & compass (optional)

Sat, Sep 10	Rainbow Ridge?	(Subject to change due to snow and road conditions) Moderate hike in light forest to a long meadow ridge with great views; about 7 miles round trip, 1,200 feet elevation gain. Leaders: Steve Irving, 360-384-1618.
Sat, Sep 17	Cougar Divide?	(Subject to change due to snow and road conditions) Moderate hike to a seldom visited ridge on the east side of Mount Baker, near the hot springs. A short but steepish trail leads to the magnificent views on the ridge, where we can hike up toward Lava Divide. Leader: Renetta, 360-398-8939.
Sun, Oct 2	Skyline Divide?	A moderate hike to high meadows and big views from Mount Shuksan to Mount Baker. About 6 miles round trip, 1,700 feet elevation gain. Leader: Al Heezen, 360-738-9311.