Del Campo, Morning Star, Sperry, and Vesper seen from the upper meadows
Officially named Dickerman Mountain but more commonly known as "Mount Dickerman", this peak is a simple hike, accessible in early season. It is one of the most popular hiking destinations in the area, probably only second to the Big Four Ice Caves. The trail (trail #710) begins at 1710 feet and rises 4013 feet in 4.1 miles. There are many switchbacks after the first quarter mile with moderate elevation gain. 2 miles into the hike, the undisturbed forest changes into cedars and sub-alpine furs. During the summer, the next half mile is one of the most popular blueberry stashes in Northern Cascades. Be warned that the temptation to pick makes hiking progress slow-going. In the Fall, the colors displayed by alpine meadow wildflowers are stunning and brilliant. The meadows begin near 4500 feet and contain splendid views to the south.
Del campo seen from Dickerman
There are several false summits on the way up, and the upper ridge crest has 2 high points and the west one is the summit. From there, behold majestic 360 degree views of surrounding North Cascade peaks including Liberty, Three Fingers, Bullon, Whitehorse, Jumbo, Stillaguamish, Baker, Forgotten, Pugh, Dome, Twin Peaks, Glacier, Painted, Bedal, Sloan, Kyes, Monte Cristo, Sheep, North Gemini, Foggy, North Cadet, Columbia, Silvertip, Spire, Del Campo, Morning Star, Sperry, Vesper, Big Four, Hall, and Pilchuck. Be careful on the summit. That's a 450 foot drop to the Perry Creek basin far below.
Route Map
Driving Directions
The Summit Cornice, May 2006.
From Everett, take highway 92 east to the town of Granite Falls turn left (north) at the east end of town onto the
Mountain Loop highway. 16.3 miles past the Public Service Center in Verlot there is a large trailhead parking area on the left side of the road. This is on the left side of the road, 1.6 miles beyond the Big Four picnic area. For more details you can purchase
Green Trails Map # 111. Don't forget that a Northwest Forest Pass is required to park a car at the established trailhead. Parking overnight at the trailhead is not recommended because break-ins have been a rare but occasional problem.
When to climb
Snow can still be encountered in the month of May. It is more difficult of a hike in the winter months, and map and compass knowledge is required, as there are many cliff drop off's and large cornices. Crampons and Ice Axe are recommended in the early season. Snowshoes are a must. Even experienced climbers can make mistakes under heavy winter conditions. Unfortunately, 2006 proved to be a tragic year for Dickerman Mountain. Two seasoned hikers were killed on the mountain within a few days of each other on February 10 and February 19.
PLEASE BE CAREFUL! Do not choose Dickerman as a winter day hike unless you are well experienced. Also check the snow conditions on
NWAC.
Sperry seen from Dickerman.
Red Tape / Camping
This is a high risk area for forest fires, so no campfires are allowed anywhere on trail or at the summit. A
Northwest Forest Pass is required for vehicle parking at the trailhead ($5/ day, or $30 annual).
Officially no camping is allowed, but evidence suggests that it does happen. Please respect the mountain and help keep it pristine. Pack it in pack it out. Parking at the trailhead is not recommended. Break-ins are rare, but they
do happen occasionally.
The north face of Dickerman seen from Stillaguamish Ridge
Mountain Conditions
Verlot Ranger Station (360) 691-7791
(open for summer hours only)
33515 Mountain Loop Highway
Granite Falls, WA 98252
Dickerman Mountain Summit, September 2005 Road Conditions
Jon Vanderheyden, District Ranger
(360) 856-5700 ext 515
810 State Route 20
Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284
Monday-Friday 8 am - 4:30 pm
External Links