The Skagit-Sown Wheat and the Granite Peak: A Morning at 5b’s Bakery

As you drive east on State Route 20, the landscape shifts from the fertile, flat Skagit Valley into the jagged, vertical world of the North Cascades. The transition point is the town of Concrete, a place built on the industry of its namesake but now serving as the final staging ground for hikers, climbers, and scenic drivers. In the heart of this quiet mountain town sits 5b’s Bakery, a destination that has achieved something rare in the world of backcountry provisions: a completely gluten-free menu that even the most skeptical gluten-eaters go out of their way to find.

The air in Concrete often carries the scent of damp cedar and river silt from the nearby Baker and Skagit Rivers. Stepping into the bakery, that scent is replaced by the warm, caramelized aroma of browning butter and cinnamon. It is a refuge for those about to spend three days in the high alpine, offering a level of culinary care that feels unexpectedly sophisticated for a town of fewer than 800 people.

Local Story

Concrete was once the powerhouse of the region, home to massive cement plants that provided the material for the dams holding back the Skagit River. Today, the town is quieter, marked by the iconic 'Welcome to Concrete' sign painted onto an old silos. 5b’s Bakery represents the newer chapter of the town—one focused on the outdoor enthusiasts who treat the North Cascades as their cathedral.

Named for the 'five bees' (the family behind the operation), the bakery was born out of a personal need for high-quality gluten-free food that didn't crumble into sand. For the local community and the seasonal influx of PCT hikers, the bakery has become more than a shop; it is a vital supply point. The owners have mastered the chemistry of alternative flours, producing rolls, breads, and hand pies that stand up to the rigors of a backpack or a long drive through the mountain passes. There is a sense of pride here in providing a safe, inclusive table in a region where dining options are famously sparse. It’s the kind of place where you’ll see a mud-caked mountaineer checking Zuro for their next trailhead stop while waiting for a warm bun fresh from the oven.

Experience Guide

The experience at 5b’s is defined by the rhythm of the mountains. Early mornings see a line of locals in flannel shirts and hikers in technical gear. The move here is the cinnamon roll—a massive, soft, and heavily iced pastry that defies every stereotype of gluten-free baking. It is dense enough to fuel a trek up to Cascade Pass but light enough to enjoy with a second cup of coffee.

Beyond the sweets, their savory offerings are what truly set them apart for the traveler. The hand pies, stuffed with seasonal ingredients, are designed to be portable. They are the perfect summit reward, easily tucked into a jacket pocket. If you are staying for lunch, the menu often features hearty soups and sandwiches on house-made bread that holds its structure—a feat of engineering that would make the old cement plant workers proud. The interior is unpretentious and warm, with plenty of wood accents and a view of the street that leads directly into the forest.

The North Cascades Provisioner

Because the North Cascades Highway is seasonally closed during the winter months, 5b’s serves as a barometer for the traveling season. In the summer, the bakery is a hub of excitement, vibrating with the energy of people heading toward Ross Lake or the North Cascades National Park complex. In the quieter shoulder seasons, it becomes a cozy sanctuary for those watching the mist roll off the mountains. The staff is deeply knowledgeable about the area, often providing unofficial trail reports along with your order. It is one of the few places in the Skagit Valley where 'safe' food doesn't mean compromising on the robust, hearty flavors required for mountain life.

What to Pack for the Road

If you are heading deeper into the park toward Winthrop, stock up here. The stretch of highway between Concrete and the Methow Valley is spectacularly beautiful but offers very little in the way of food. Grab a loaf of their artisan bread and a few of the savory biscuits. The bakery also stocks a selection of local jams and honeys from the Skagit Valley, allowing you to take a piece of the region's agricultural richness with you into the wilderness. The focus on local sourcing ensures that even though you are eating gluten-free, you are still tasting the specific terroir of the Pacific Northwest.