Wildflowers galore! All sorts of wildflowers are blooming along the
green meadows in this hike and I've never seen so many tiger lilies all
over. And, yes, indeed, Green Mountain is so GREEN!! The name of the
mountain speaks for itself.
What a beautiful hike! Is Green Mountain sort of like a hidden gem? I am not sure how popular or well known this hike is, but it is GORGEOUS!....from wildflowers/creeks/tarns/meadows to sweeping mountain views of N. Cascades/Glacier Peak/Mt. Baker ranges in all directions including as far as the Puget Sound. I am so glad I found this hike thanks to WTA's trip description and recent trip reports. The lookout, built in 1933, still exists on top of Green Mountain. It's listed on the National Register of Historic Places and restoration is ongoing. When you see jaw-dropping 360 panorama from the summit and understand the terrains of the groups of the surrounding peaks, ranges and geography, it makes sense why the lookout was built on top of Green Mountain.
Road condition
FR 26 (Suiattle River Road) is in great condition. From SR 530, follow FR 26 about 20 miles to FR 2680. The first half of FR 26 is paved and the second half is dirt/gravel (it looks and feels like paved, however). From FR 26, drive FR 2680 about 6 miles to trailhead. FR 2680 is a narrow and rough road (bumpy and rocky), but not too bad. My 4 door sedan could handle it with no problem. Just go slow and take it easy. Road condition included in the short video clip below.
Green Mountain Trail
The trail climbs gently through the old growth of the timberline for the first 1/2 mile or so, and then gets moderately steep until the view opens up at 1 mile and you come into green meadows on the slope of the mountain. Wow, it's so GREEN!....it's like a thick green velvet covering the mountain. The meadows are alive with so many wildflowers you can imagine along the trail. They are also quite entertaining with different varieties, colors and smells....never monotonous! Particularly, I really enjoyed tiger lilies because I've never seen that many tiger lilies bursting all over. By the way, part of the trail through the meadows gets brushy with waist high vegetation, so wearing long pants may be recommended if you are one of those who don't like to be brushed by plants.
After ascending the green meadows filled with wildflowers, at 2.5 miles you descend to a little valley and the trail passes a tarn and crosses a creek. There is a big blowdown blocking the trail soon after the tarn, but you can cross over it by veering to right or left. After that, you come to vast open meadows surrounded by green mountains...wow! From there you can see Green Mountain's summit and spot the lookout standing on the top. In the meadows I noticed glacier lilies were just about to bloom soon.....budding.
The last mile to the top is quite steep with switchbacks. There are some snow patches, but they are small and easy to cross. Pace yourself and enjoy the views as you ascend. Yesterday the air was cool with a gentle breeze, so, luckily, heat or sweat didn't become an issue. Make sure to stay hydrated if you trek this steep section on a warm sunny day. Sunscreen and hat will be also handy.
Take in the jaw-dropping views from the top. Green Mountain is so GREEN! You have breathtaking sweeping vistas in all directions....N. Casacdes, Mt. Baker, Glacier Peak, and all other peaks near and far, and to the west is the Puget Sound! It was interesting to be able to see those local peaks along the Mountain Loop HWY side by side....Pilchuck, White Horse, Three Fingers, Pugh, Big Four, Dickerman and others. The outlook is closed, but you can enjoy views from the deck. It is amazing to see the old structure still standing proudly on top of the peak since 1933.
Green Mountain is one of the loveliest hikes I found in the N. Cascades. I am very glad I hiked when it is GREEN! Go soon if you want to see the "green" mountain in bursting wildflowers....and pick a clear day for spectacular views from the top. Happy hiking!
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