Mount Dickerman is an incredible and easily accessible hike in the Northern Cascades of Washington. This hike is accessible by any type of vehicle which makes it all the more exciting especially in the winter.
To get to the trail head you need to drive a little over 16 miles on the Mountain Loop Highway from the Verlot Public Service Center. A stop at this center is necessary to purchase a Northwest Forest Pass which you need if you want to park at the trail head. I didn't buy one of these passes because the center was closed for Thanksgiving but it's probably not smart to risk it given how easy it is to get to the parking lot. You can also buy a pass online but you'll have to print it out yourself.
Once at the trail head parking lot, head up the trail on the east end of the lot. For the next 4 miles or so you're going to be going up. The switchbacks never really end so get ready for a good workout. If you're hiking in the winter you shouldn't encounter snow for at least 2 miles.
Until you are less than a mile from the summit the hike is pretty boring. You don't really get any views until you're pretty much there. In the winter, the views also come with pretty deep snow and I'd highly recommend crampons or snowshoes if you're hiking after first snowfall.
From the summit you are greeted with 360 degree views of the surrounding mountains and on a clear day you can even see Mt Rainier. While you're enjoying the view it is important to stay away from the edge because rock and snow can be very unstable and a fall from that height would certainly be fatal.
Hike Details:
Distance: 8.2 Miles Round-trip
Elevation Gain: 4000 ft
Highest Point: 5760 ft
