Alger Alp by Iowa Heights lies on the south end of the notable Lookout Mountain. To the east is the distinguished Anderson Mountain, sporting 3k’ of prominence. Meanwhile, Skagit Gadget sits 12 miles south near Sedro-Woolley.
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Alger Alp and Skagit Gadget at a Glance
Access: Squires Lake Trailhead (park info)
Round Trip: 9.2 miles
Elevation Range: 300′-1315′
Gear: none
Route Info: Mike Black, Max Schrempp
GPS track: available
Dog-Friendly: yes
Skagit River Valley
The rainy forecast took us north this morning without a sound plan near home. The black pup and I were here a few days earlier on Stewart Mountain by Lake Whatcom. This time, we explored more hills in Skagit River Valley.
Squires Lake Park centers around Squires Lake, the focal point. A quick under half-a-mile walk takes one by the serene water. Meanwhile, Pacific Northwest Trail (PNT) goes through the north ridge before exiting west of the summit.
See more trip photos here.
Alger Alp via Squires Lake Park
From the lake, the PNT went through the narrow ridge in the misty valley. Meanwhile, we steered clear of the cliff’s edge on the leaf-strewn path. Before long, we reached the viewpoint atop the ridge and went a few steps up the treed summit.
A spur path down the other side of the high point didn’t look like it led anywhere. So we returned to the lookout for the rest of the visit. Soon, the valley cleared to reveal Interstate 5 plus the misty Puget Sound in the backdrop.
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Skagit Gadget on Clear Lake Hill
Back at the car, we drove through Sedro-Woolley to the gate east of the summit. Before starting, I checked to see that the area was open to foot traffic. Then we walked two miles through the clear-cut forest to the road’s end.
We returned to the fork shortly and went near the road’s end. Skagit River Valley offered views of the lakes below, also several places we’ve visited. After taking in the needed afternoon heat, we walked the uneventful two miles back to the gate.
See more trip photos here.