This entire Wilderness lies on the western slopes of the Cascade Mountains. Two drainages emanate from this area, the Nooksack River and the Skagit River. The Nooksack River drains directly into Puget Sound.

Vegetative cover is typical of the west slopes of the Cascades including cedars, Douglas-fir, true firs, western and mountain hemlock, and at higher elevations, alpine meadows. On mountains and higher ridges, considerable areas of rock and permanent glaciers (over 10,000 acres) occur.

Terrain is extremely rugged, with steep slopes; numerous ridges are dissected by small intermittent or permanent drainages. Glacier travel also poses many risks to hikers and mountaineers. Mount Baker, an active volcano, is one of the areas most unique features. The mountain periodically exhibits thermal activity. The most northern of Washingtons volcanoes it stands 10,778 feet.

For interesting hiking excursions the wilderness area is home to Granite mountain, a popular Cascades weekend getaway.

For more information contact: The Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest