Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest Reviews

I grew up visiting my grandparents in Lynden and now I get to share these places with my son. My husband had never been to the northwest so this was a great trip. We did a ski to sea day trip, Mt. Baker to Birch Bay. Such a great day.

Absolutely stunning views of mountain lakes and glaciers! Stopped first at Picture Lake, surrounded by a hiking trail and low-growing blueberry bushes full of sweet, ripe berries. Lots of people bent over, picking berries and after tasting a few, so was I. Beautiful reflections of the mountains in the water. Then on to the visitor center at the Meadows (gorgeous view, building, and a crackling fire in the enormous fireplace). Picnic tables for lunch. Then on up to Artist Point, a must-see. Lots of hiking trails in the area.

Highway completely clear and in good shape after the winter. The road to Artist Point still closed as of today (May 9) under about 20 feet of snow still. The resort lots were empty when we were there so had lots of room to wander taking pictures. The lake was still ice covered but it looks like that won't be for much longer.

worth a trip in the late spring / early summer before the crowds start coming up.

Drove up to Mt. Baker from Bellingham, WA. It is a beautiful drive. Feels like you are in a forest. I'm originally from PA...felt like I was back home in Cooks Forest. Mt. Baker got a lot of snow this year, 906 inches. Had record high temperatures in the area. Snow all around & 90 degrees. Simply amazing. There are many places to stop on the drive up & enjoy the scenery. Watch for signs for Nooksack Falls & check it out. This is a hiker's paradise...many trails. Would certainly recommend this scenic drive.

There are many trails available for hiking here - catering to the new and experienced hiker. Artist Point gives you breathtaking views, and you can drive right to the top. There are several 1-3km long trails at the top, if you're looking for a short hike. And there are many longer trails available along the way if you're looking for a longer adventure.
We were short on time, and headed right to the top at Artist Point. The views were absolutely breathtaking, and we did 2 of the short trails at the top which were very rewarding as well. I'd highly recommend. My only hesitancy would be that I heard it can become quite crowded in peak season which would be a downside for me. We went on a weekday in June so while other hikers were there, it was no where near crowded. And due to the low snowfall this winter, the trails were fully accessible at this time in June when I hear often they are not!
Fee - I believe there is a $5 parking fee - and vehicles will be ticketed that are not displaying this permit. We didn't buy a parking permit, and weren't ticketed - but we were there for only 2hrs and on a weekday early in summer.

My boyfriend and I went to Mount Washington for a hiking/camping trip. As part of the trip, we visited the Artist's point, a very beautiful location, true to its name. We hiked to the glacier when a fellow hiker took us there after we got lost on the Heliotrope ridge trail - and what an amazing place to get lost! :) Wonderful place! Would love to visit again!

Elevation of 5,000 feet and 360 degree of the surrounding mountain and valley bellow. It is a breathtaking view. It is not congested like Mt. Ranier, the road up to the mountain is open in summer time only.

It is a very preserved area, very little development, just few ski resorts and one lift operator. The lift chair operator will take you very close to the glacier.

It is one of the easier way to be near glacier especially if you have young children with you.

Great day trip in Seattle area, budget 7 to 8 hours, the road near Bellingham/Sedro Wooley gets congested sometimes.

Nice simple drive up to the top, check out the waterfalls on the way up. Good place to hike around or just view from your car

arrived this year to the ski area shut down and not many in the area, and there was not 20ft of snow along the side of the road. lake i thought was a bit down in size but still very pretty, first time seeing it for us. got to walk along the trail so we could get pics from different angles. explored other areas as well. good fun time, can't wait to see changes next year we are visiting in the area.

The winding roads up are a little scary, but when you reach the top it is worth it. The views are terrific without hiking at all, but there are several trails to take if you want a little exercise. Park rangers are there with maps and suggestions. Bringing some food and water is a good idea. We would have stayed longer, but we were hungry and knew it was a long ride to food. Also, stop at Nooksack falls on the way. It is not too far off the road and is beautiful.

Last day in the great northwest. Weather has been perfect all week. Excited to go to hike Mount Baker. Rain forecasted all day. Should we go? We decided to do it. Got there and the wind was blowing, mountains hidden by clouds. And there was a steady rain. 46 degrees in mid-July and we did not have the best clothing to go pump gas not to mention climb mountain trails. As it turned out, the Baker hikes were the highlight of our trip. Picked fresh wild blueberries, salmon berries and raspberries. Hiked 6 miles of trails. We will be back.

Amazing day.

Easy n slow drive up all the way to the end of the Hwy..... Artist Point.

Plenty of photo ops and stops on the way up.

Plan on early trip up for parking at Artist Point.

Lots of hiking options and soaking up the scenery.

Highly recommended excellent family day out.

We drove up Mt Baker in June and the amount of snow still at the top was amazing - being from MN we were even impressed - the paths leading all around were fun and easy walks from the parking areas

Do not miss this. It is amazing, even in August. The kids loved playing in the snow and we took two hikes with absolutely breath-taking views.

DEFINITELY incorporate this destination into your travels! The drive alone is an experience. Plenty of lookout points & hike along the route if you really want to take your time. I cant count how many times I said "OH MY GOD!"

Mount Baker - and particularly the drive all the way to Artist Point - is a lovely drive on a sunny day. However, the entire roadway is only open during a handful of months at the most, historical records tell us since 1999. In 1999, due to record snowfall that year, the entire roadway never opened, and in 2011, only the first mile opened, that on August 5. Typically, the roadway has opened in late June to early August, closing in late September to late October. In 2015, however, the roadway opened considerably earlier, May 14, and didn't close until November 1. Best advice: check ahead for the road being open/not/how far; go early in the day if possible; perhaps mid-afternoon if a weekday (= nobody or almost nobody in front of you!); go on a non-holiday weekday, if possible; and pack your patience.

I went here once on a weekday in mid-March the year it was unseasonably warm on the whole (2015), though only in the low 30s by mid-afternoon on the travel day, finding the road clear - though the warning signs for having chains and the prospect of rapid changes in the weather were posted - and open except for the last 3-5 miles. The road (highway 542, which leads to/from Bellingham/Interstate 5, just over 57 miles) is rural, many speed limits 50-55, then becoming woodsy after a roundabout and following near the Nooksack River, the speed limit there dropping to 40 for some parts, up until about the last 10 miles, when the ascent begins, the roadway narrows a bit, and the speed limit drops to 35, less for the very last part.

While the roadway is narrow, there are only a few areas where your side is next to the edge, always with minimal shoulder and no guardrails. One is just past the ski area on the ascent, where you're "rewarded" with a plateau of sorts by Picture Lake and Highwood Lake, the others are on the initial part of the descent and after the ski area. Take your time! At the top, an ample parking lot, but it fills up quickly. There are signs posted for passes that are "required" to park there and to hike there, the Forest Service having a nice website that guides you as to which pass is advisable, noting discounted and free pass options. As for trails, WSDOT has a FAQ website that includes links to this as well as to trail conditions. If you just drive through or get out for a short time, you may be okay, as there's no gate, but the Forest Service did have an information tent set up on the west side of the parking lot, to your right as you entered it, the day I made it there.

On the way back, if you're heading to Canada or want to experience something different, continue straight at the roundabout, highway 9 north, which takes you past a school, then through a different mix of woodsy, through the Nooksack area and culminating in spacious farmland that seemingly comes out of nowhere, just southwest of the border town of Sumas, which will be a short distance to your right. Going left will take you to the northern edge of Lynden as well as to highway 539, which to the south takes you to Bellingham. To the north, another secondary Canadian border crossing to the "main" Peace Arch and truck crossings, both of those further to the west, along with the border town of Blaine and, south of that, Semiahmoo and Birch Bay.

The sights here are amazing. Lots of trails to choose from. Could have just gotten lost here. The road Artist point is steep, but worth it.

My wife and I drove up Mount Baker for the first time and really enjoyed the experience. Not really knowing what to expect, or where to stop along the way, we found lots of helpful advice when we stopped to pay our trail fee just after entering the park. Artist Point was the farthest stop and highlight of the trip on a beautiful day. Trails leading in all directions and it was fun to walk on the snow in August. The switchback roads made for an interesting drive at times and the scenery was breathtaking. Next time we will pack our own lunch as there are not many places to eat along the way and the fresh mountain air and exercise really works up an appetite. We each had a ham and cheese sandwich at the ski lodge which cost us $27 U.S. We will be back and a bit better prepared next time.

My son drove us up to Artist's Point on Mt. Baker in September. Wonderful views with perfect weather! Well worth the drive and be prepared with your camera.

We've been here several times. Last year in late June it was just before the road to Artist Point opened, and there was still lots of snow on the side of the road. This year in late July that snow was gone, but there was still lots of snow at Artist Point. It was strange to see all that snow and still be so hot. (We saw a guy skiing in his swim suit!) We had brought lunch along and were surprised that you could buy lunch-type food at Heather Meadows. The closest town is Glacier, a fairly long winding drive from the end of the road at Artist Point. Every minute of the drive is worth it for the fantastic views at this beautiful place!

Highly recommend driving the 542, Mt Baker Hwy to the ski area and end of road. You have an amazing 360 degree view of Mount Baker area. There are restrooms there and you can hike (walk) around and get some great photos. Picture Lake on the way up is a great spot to get a picture of the water reflection of the mountain. Stunning!!

We had great weather for our two week trip to Washington State. Unfortunately it was foggy and/or rainy for our 3 days at Mr. Baker. But we were lucky that the fog did not prevent us from hiking the Bagley Lakes trail and Horseshoe Bend trail both of which were beautiful. The fog cleared just enough for us to walk Artist Ridge. We enjoyed the hiking the Mt. Baker Wilderness and would definitely like to return.

We drove upto Artist Point then trekked around the peak. Magnificent view. Temp. was around 26+ deg. C but was cool enough. Kids love this place to play with snow in the middle of summer. There are many places to visit while going to Artist Point.

I love boarding Baker!!! it is one of those mountains you can ride the mountain all day and find new fresh tracks. The chairs are bit sketchy and old but once you are plowing through a couple of feet of fresh powder on sneaky pete skipping trees and finding fresh lines you forget all about the chairs.

My family enjoyed our drive and scenic walks in the area. The mountains, the trees, the wildlife, the waterfalls/rivers...all are amazing to witness!

After 8 days touring b.c. with no powder days we hit Baker. I went 2 years back but coudn't select '09. At the time lift tickets were like $30 and the snow was insane. Lots of terrain options and even more back country if you are prepared (state troopers check your gear and avalanche training card as you leave resort). Tonnes of range from terrifying double blacks to easy blues but I couldn't really see the runs as everything was snowed over. Most runs were knee deep and in the trees was waste deep. Just be aware of tree wells and the risks. Probably my favorite resort other than RED Mountain. Sorry no pics because there was too much fresh powder to shred.

A 2 hour hike from the trail head. Lots of switchbacks through the woods. We had to cross 4 swift raging creeks. 3 of them were not bad but there was 1 that you had to get most of your lower body wet. If you were not careful you could of gotten swept down the creek. It was quite exciting. Definitely not for little children. We took our Bichon and had to carry him across. Once up top you are looking straight at Coleman Glacier. Fantastic 360 degree view. Worth the hike. You feel like your on top of the world. We went on a Tuesday and only saw 2 groups of hikers and they were coming down.

Fairly easy access during mid-summer months with incredible views of Mt. Baker, Mt. Shuksan, and surrounding peaks. Only about 60 miles from Bellingham, Washington, the views rival the best of the Canadian Rockies and Swiss Alps.

Some friends who live in WA took us up Mount Baker for a day trip and I'm so glad they did. This is the most beautiful mountain I have ever seen. It was the middle of summer so we tobogganed in shorts and t-shirts on a glorious, sunny day. The glacier you can see from the top of the mountain is stunning, as is the lake and the waterfalls and old growth forest on the way up has to be seen to be believed. Can't wait to come back one day and ski there.

I called it a hidden gem because we have been to Seattle a few times but never knew what we were missing.....by following the tourist guides of what to do in Seattle. If one is a nature lover, forget Pike's Place and lining up outside the world's first Starbucks and head to this amazing drive that leads you to a wonderful parking place high on the mountains . Once there, you can choose to take a walk to Artist Point or if you don't have the time, just stand there and enjoy the double delight view of 2 famous mountains on either end of the parking lot. Stop at Picture lake on the way up....easy to miss on the way down. Right after Picture Lake, there is a tiny box next to an information board where you have to put in money in an envelope (park fee). And make sure it's a clear cloudless day when you visit and also check if the road to the parking lot is open (stays closed until late summer due to snow).

This is way better than Rainier. The hike across the top is just breaktaking! Usually you can not take this hike because of the snow but it open this summer. Mt. Baker is not as busy as Rainier and just as breathtaking. It is not as commercialized as Rainier so make sure to bring your own snacks and drinks. Bring good hiking shoes and enjoy it!

This area is truly a gorgeous, unspoiled section of the US. Lots of natural beauty here. If you like to snow board or ski, it's a fabulous destination. Just be warned, cell phone exception is spotty at best. So, if you can't step back and truly enjoy nature, this may not be the place for you.

From Sedro Wolley, we took Hwy 9 and Hwy 542 N. We stopped at Glacier VC (beautiful setting) where we fetched our America the Beautiful Pass. Afterwards we went to see the Nooksack Falls and the wonderful Picture Lake and ended up at Artist Point. Up there, we did the Table Mountain hike. What a stunning environment! The hike was rocky, with windswept boulders and a beautiful little lake on our way.
There are a some nice picnic places near the parking lot.

We went there unplanned in August of 2017 and were pleasantly surprised by the beauty and the vast wilderness. This mountain is not spoken about much as there are far less commercial activities as compared to Mt. Rainier, Snoqualmie, etc. But it is per me one of the places you must visit in your lifetime. A little far from the main I5 freeway at the end of Hwy 542, it is a hidden gem. We could not do any hikes as we reached there a little late, but we have made up our mind to visit again very soon to do some of the easy to medium difficult hikes. If you have been to Glacier National Park in Montana and you liked it, you'll find this place equivalent.

Mt Baker is a place that I have always admired from Vancouver, BC. It is even more breathtaking when seeing it up close. We drove about 2 hrs from Vancouver, crossing the border at Sumas, all the way to Artist Point (end of Hwy 542). You need a park permit after passing the ski area (USD 5 per car per day, or USD 30 for an annual pass). It was late July but there was still tonnes of snow around the parking lot. All the trail heads were still covered in snow but with the ranger's suggestion, we followed the tracks of other hikers and climbed the Table Mountain. Our waterproof hiking shoes definitely helped (crampons not needed). The view got better with each step we climbed. When we reached the 1st summit, we decided to have lunch and not proceed to the end of the trail because it was still 100% covered in snow and there were no trail markers/signs. We spent almost an hour soaking up the panoramic views and took hundreds of pictures. I know that I will return in the near future to explore other trails, especially when the snow is gone.

We waited till August for the snow to clear off the Artist Point to Huntoon Point trail. This trail has great views of Mt Shuksan, but views of Mt Baker would be better in the morning. It's a short mile hike, but has several big rock steps which might be a challenge for weak knees. Got sunburned and wished I hadn't forgotten my hat. Parking was crowded.

Next, we took the Fire and Ice Interpretive Trail which is near the Heather Meadows Visitor Center. The scenery behind the center is awesome, and half-way on the trail is gorgeously rugged glacier-hewn slopes cascading into heather-covered meadows. Have to come again in the morning to get a picture of this rugged fantasy.

From the same visitor center, we could see the terrain descending with the Bagley Lakes trail. It would take strong knees to take this trail from here. I would rather start off at the trailhead.

We passed Picture Lake a couple of times, but didn't see a parking lot. A few cars just parked by the side of the road, so we followed suit. The trail to it is short, and we got great shots of Mt Shuksan at 6 pm.

Lastly, we stopped by Nooksack Falls which is on a dirt road (Wells Creek Rd or NF 33), a short distance off Mt Baker Hwy. The short trail down to the observation point is a little steep and rocky.

Beautiful area of mountains, rivers, meadows and lakes and walking trails Drive up is also stupendous, ferns, forests, river and falls. The area was pretty much deserted in June lots of snow and snow melt.

A must see and explore in Washington even if your not a skier or snow boarder. The drive up to Mt Baker is breath taking and so scenic even in poor weather. Come winter be prepared for nasty conditions and deep snow!
Lots to do for all ages and photo opportunities abound!

Yes, this is a nice, natural setting with trail heads for hiking, some views, and so on... but if going all the way up to the end of the road, I guess it depends why you take the long drive. The view are nice, but except for being above the tree line (and having snow, even in August) the views are like all views of mountains. Hiking - yes - but no better than the hundreds of choices all over the state. The big positive is that it is an easy day trip from Seattle or Bellingham, I am glad we did it and checked it off the list (and that we had a nice day for it)... but the Canadian and US Rockies, as well as the Olympic range in Washington State, have better and more spectacular views and hiking, if that's what you are looking for.

Yes, I want you to know how GREAT the Mt. Baker area is, but if you all show up, it won't make it better (or will it?). This hidden jewel (to the extent that you don't notice a 10,000' mountain) has remote, really remote, and incredibly remote regions for those who really want to get away. At the same time, it is very accessible and a gorgeous day-drive from Bellingham.

In the summer, Baker has some of the best climbing in North America and in the winter is has THE BEST skiing.

Just don't tell everybody, Ok?

Take a look up this mountain, the sights are truly awesome, fantastic views, the roads going up to the peak of the mountain makes you realsie just how deep you are withing the forest.
So amazing seeing the salmon swin up the streams trying to get to the spawning sites..I´d only seen it on TV but to see it for real was something else, you see these salmonswimming against so many odds to get up the river and you end up rooting for them...come on buster, you can do it!!!
A few stores and restaurants on the way up, but just the average stopping place...

Went up skiing/boarding with friends on New Years day. I hadn't been up to Mount Baker for about 18 years for no good reason. A fantastic day on the mountain. The views from the lifts and from the runs are spectacular at this time of the year. Snow covered peaks, glaciers, trees covered in snow looking surreal and super friendly and helpful employees. The pass is relatively inexpensive compared to other similar mountains. It is a long drive up, but worth the effort. It really is kinda like skiing/boarding retro style. The lifts are not fast and there are some places that are flat, but the place has a great vibe.

I could go on and on about Mount Baker. It's a pendulum that swings from sensational remote mountain wilderness to a spiritual aura of natural splendor. Take 542 East. Take it all in.

This is a must-see! Especially after winter break and roads just open. Spectacular views of mountain peaks with snow, lakes, forest... Artist Point has a great parking lot with restrooms to park at and you can walk right out onto the snow. Absolutely stunning!!!

Mt. Baker is spectacular! Artist's Point is one of the most beautiful views of the Cascade mountains. There is easy hiking around the parking lot, which was crowded. The national park service needs more bathrooms to accommodate the crowds. This is a great location for short family hikes or a stepping off point for longer distances. This is not to be missed if you are traveling in the Bellingham area.

We have been to Mt. Baker many times, but never to Artist Point at the end of Highway 542. It is nearest to Glacier, WA. It is only open a few months a year due to heavy snow and even now (August) there was still plenty of snow around for our 10 & 13 yr old's. We left metro Seattle at 5 am to get there early and not hit traffic...this was wise. Just a little over 2 hours and we were there, with only a third of the parking spots taken. When we got done hiking, there were tons of people everywhere and no parking anywhere in sight. Take that into consideration especially during the weekends when it is "nice" out. The views are wonderful and many trails to take. All are great views. There were 3 forest rangers there today (Sat) with helpful maps, etc. Make sure you have a pass, they do check your cars. There are restrooms in the parking lot. I would not bring small children here, but grade school and up should do ok if they are use to light hikes. Bring water and snacks no matter your age-no where close to buy these things once you are past Glacier, WA.

- Every skiing mountain is a rip-off no matter what. A normal pass is $70-ish, beginner track is $70-ish. Not worth it but only worth going once.

- Also do not stay at the nearby resort because it will be a complete rip-off. Go to the mountain in the morning and then drive to Bellingham and stay in a guesthouse for only abour $60 a night for 1 double room.

- Food sold at the cafeteria is almost a joke, gravy with chips for around $6-$7. Same goes to the price of a meal or a pie. I would suggest you to bring your own lunch or snacks.

- Skiing track is filled with people during the weekend so make sure you look after your belongings.

- Turned out that this ski company does not have winter gear for rent. The lady at the clothing shop was really rude, when one of us did not have ski gear and we wanted to buy a kids size ski pants, she gave a rude and loud comment that we finally decided to choose what we want which is the kids size ski pant.

By the way, it shuts at 5pm. Everything literally stops at 5pm, no skiing allow, no food for sale and etc.
I will not recommend this ski company to anyone.

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If I was told the drive to get to the top of Mount baker was going to take 2 hours there and then two hours back I would not have gone.

BUT once you are there it is beautiful-breathtaking views-

I respect nature and love it but not really my idea of things to do while in Washington-

Please note: either there was dead body animal/human in the comfort station at the top of the mountain or it just NEVER gets cleaned-do not walk anywhere near that petri dish for disease....the smell was so excruciating and disgusting I could smell it on me the whole drive back (2 hours) down to Bellingham....there is absolutely no sign of maintenance for the public restrooms at the top of the Mountain. The scary thing is there are thousands of visitors that go through there-a complete breeding ground for illness. I cant imagine if someone needed to use that bathroom as an emergency-it was that bad.

The drive up is VERY loopy and windy-1.5 hours of that is not for everyone so note that too-NOT FUN for those who are prone to sickness

Not worth the drive to get there.

The views from the top are stunning. The drive up is also very scenic. It was well worth the trip plenty of hiking trails. Make sure you bring a big enough SD card because you will need it.

A most amazing mountain which dominates the landscape for miles around. Spooky in a special kind of way

Took a drive but it was mostly cloudy, we still enjoyed it. Got to see part of the mountain. There was still snow & high drifts by the road that made for fun July pictures.would definitely go back & try to capture the beauty on a sunny day.

The pictures we took were breath taking, the whole ride from Seattle to Mt Baker was beautiful. My brother would stop for us to take pictures along the way because by the time we came back it night time...

We decided to do a day trip to this area, check out campsites (limited services) and the hiking trails. The drive is both scenic and pleasant, with a few hairpin curves. Plenty of parking at the top and the walk about 3kms to artists point is worth it. You can take the road so sneakers are ok, if your going off the main walkways bring good hiking shoes and walking poles and water. There are no concessions at the top so packing some snacks is a good idea.
There are some camping locations which can be booked if your planning to head out on some of the numerous hiking trails. We did the heliotope, on the west side of the mountain. You need to go thru 3-5 creeks enroute to the top, so one option is to put plastic bags over your socks in your hiking boots. Stopping at the NFS VISITOR CENTRE is good for maps, trail guides and a notification centre in case you get lost.

This is a beautiful part of the country, and there's a lot of variety to be seen...tree-lined roads, rustic buildings, rushing rivers, sunlight streaming through the trees (when it's not cloudy or rainy), a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of civilization. It doesn't take long to enter "this world," no matter which direction you enter it from. From the southwest, you live Bellingham to rolling farmland, then take the right turn from the round-a-bout, and you're in the world I've described. From the northwest, you leave the farmlands of Lynden/Sumas into rural America, then soon into the forested roads that I've described, eventually arriving at the aforementioned round-a-bout. Highly recommended, and try to dial down from the world of busy to the world of tranquil!

Take a trip up there. Bring your hiking poles and bottled water. It's a great place to visit - go to Artist Point, at the end of the road, and have fun! The Ptarmigan Ridge trail is level and easy for everyone. One year there were mosquitoes, so glad I wore jeans. It is very sunny on hot days.

Planned a trip here to go hiking with our three dogs. Wife and I aren't experienced hikers so we stopped in at the Ranger Station in Glacier on the way up the Hwy to get some suggestions for easy hikes. The Park Ranger recommended the Bagley Lakes trail then drive up to the end of the highway to Artist Point. We took the recommendations and it was well worth it. The views were amazing, trails were well maintained and would go back over and over again! Worth the trip in the summer and dogs are allowed since its a national forest! A pass is required to go all the way to the top but just stop at the Ranger Station to pick one up.

Being from UT I expected aweful, slushy, wet snow conditions in WA. I sure was pleasantly surprised to be wrong. I spent a day at Whistler in Canada (buy cheap tickets at 7-11's in Vancouver) and was surprisingly disappointed. Since Mt. Baker is a private resort, there are no discount tickets sold at local ski shops or supermarkets.

I enjoyed the snow at Baker so much I left Canada early to go back and play. They are claimed to have the most snowfall in N. America. Was it wet and difficult to ride on? Absolutely not. I made powder lines all day.

The liftees were all pleasant, Most of the riders were locals and more than happy to share their favorite runs with us tourists.

Next time I will stay in a bed and breakfast closer to the resort instead of 1.5 hrs away.

Drive the Mount Baker Highway as far as you can go. Stop at the ski area it’s beautiful. It’s quite a drive but worth it. You get great views of Kulshan but not so much Baker.

We booked Cabin #3 near the town of Glacier for an office ski weekend through Mt. Baker Lodging, Inc. Everyone LOVED it! A total of 12 bedrooms meant we were all comfortable in our own spaces. We didn't have enough people to completely fill it up but even with the max 26 people there would be plenty of space for all and it wouldn't feel crowded. The entire place was very clean and well appointed, and the beds were cozy. The kitchen was surprising well equipped, we even came across a waffle maker! The pool table in the basement was a huge hit and we spent our evenings hanging out there having tournaments. Mount Baker itself, about a half an hour drive from the cabin, is a fantastic mountain for all levels of skiers / snowboarders. We will be back for sure!

The byway to thr summit was incredible. Lovely from every hair pin turn. We stopped the reflection lake before going further, very pretty, then made it up to artist point opened much earlier this year due to the lack of snow. We enjoyed the scenic snow walks and had a tailgate picnic then slipped into thr worse Porto potty that has ever existed. I must have been way to long since they had emptied it. Just be prepared!

Got there at 1 pm, so purchased the afternoon ticket, but had only chance to ride twice ,rushing down to catch the last chair before 3pm, The lift operator closed the main chairlift to top 5 minutes before 3 just when we arrive for the raid up..... it was Sunday , my first time there, beautiful area,
but was so disappointed with unexplained early lift closure without any particular reason.
He did not care to satisfy the skier- costumer even i had a valid ticked for 50 dollars.....
was arguing with him hoping he will let us ride, it was for few minutes, ,pointing out there is still time left, but no result... so got the shuttle White Salmon.. where car was parked and that's all,,,
magnificent views but day so destroyed by such unnecessary incident ,,, Thinking not to go back there

A few spots here can make someone with a camera an amazing photographer without even trying . The view at Picture Lake is incredible on a sunny day . Heading to the end of the road at Artist Point , you know that is a perfect name for the area .
It took us about 2.5 hours to come from Vancouver and it certainly was worth every mile and every minute . We strolled around about a quarter of Picture Lake and waited for the water to calm a little to get a better reflection of Mt Shuksan .
There are many trails with varying length all along the highway . We took the Artist Ridge trail from the top parking lot . After walking a few minutes you get a terrific view of Mt Baker . The lot's elevation is just over 5,000 feet ,so some people might find the air a bit thinner . There is nothing up there but it toilets , so make sure you stop in one of the small towns as you drive up and get drinks and snacks .
If you love beautiful scenery and nature ...go .I can't even find the words to do this place justice . It is amazing !
Along the highway there is a $5 entrance fee at the visitor center.

Mount Baker has amazing hiking in summer, especially from Artist's Point. At more than 5,000 feet above sea level, this area is typically buried under snow and closed October through June (WSDOT). On clear days, visitors are treated to 360-degree views of Mount Shuksan and Mount Baker.

From the parking lot, trails are easy to access and range in difficulty from easy to challenging. The convenient accessibility means more crowds so get there early (no later than 10 a.m.) or start later in the afternoon.

On our trip, we hiked the 6-mile Chain Lakes trail. Trail conditions vary and the weather can be unpredictable so come prepared. There's still a lot of snow, even in late August. There's also a lot of loose rock so good shoes are essential - leave the tennis shoes in the car and bring your boots instead.


After a day of hiking, chow down at Il Caffee Rifugio in Deming (on the Mt. Baker Hwy). With its modernist décor and large paintings, Rifugio feels more like an art gallery than roadside diner. The owner, who worked in the airline industry before opening the restaurant, made the tables out of recycled wood and rebar. The menu is just as creative as his carpentry. Marinated lamb on baguette, blue cheese burgers and ravioli with curry and sweet potato are some of the inventive dishes offered on Rifugio’s menu. Finish off your meal with espresso or strong coffee served in a French Press. Wine and beer are also available. If you want a variation of something, the owner will happily oblige. They've got a Web site so check them out before you go.

To get there:
Artist Point is located at the very end of Mount Baker Highway, State Route 542. The road winds for 2.7 miles before ending at the parking lot.

It is really worth visiting the Mt. BAKER from ARTIST POINT in Snoqualmie National Forest, where we can see clearly and can have a closer look. We can feast our eyes watching the snow clad Mt. Baker on one side and Mt. SHUKSAN on the other side. A Walk on trials is quite enjoyable. Remember, to check the weather condition and Road block information prior to visit.
A day long visit to these scenic mountains will be ever green in our memories.

The map of Mt Baker was excellent and made us enjoy our drive to the top - had fun following venues along the way (much better than Rainier map). Although I have limited stamina I was able to enjoy a manageable hike toward artist point. We thoroughly enjoyed a picnic along the way. Would have liked to have had hiking poles. We took breathtaking pictures. Be sure to stop at Austin Pass and hike as far as you can go - gorgeous reflection lake there, reminiscent of Austria. The fee system seemed messed up. We did the honorable thing and paid the $5.00 fee along the way at the fee box, although no one seemed to check the tag on our mirror, My husband said that it took him five minutes to stuff his envelope into the fully packed box. Is there anyone in charge of this? Does anyone care? What stops someone from pulling out the overflow? For me, the stop at the falls was eerie. We were there at 9:00 a.m. on a weekday and no one else in sight. My husband loved the solitude while I kept lookout. :)

If you ever get the chance to visit Artist Point - don't miss it up - even the drive is great fun with places to stop off and enjoy the scenery.

Mt. Baker and Mt. Shuksan are two absolutely beautiful mountains - some of the most beautiful I've ever seen! We recently traveled to Artist Point by car with our two young children. What is great about this area is that you have to work very little to get amazing views. The reason is because the highway takes you right to the center of it all. The views from Picture Lake and Artist Point are amazing. We hiked by carrying our two young children on our backs with our child carrier backpacks and we had a picnic at the Pass which is only a mile away. It is all flat; our 4 year old walked the mile with no problems. If you are there early August, there is a lot more snow for kids to play on; although even end of August you can find patches of snow for the kids to play on. You can continue on to Chain lakes Trail which is also beautiful but we did not do this with our kids - my wife found it challenging with a kid on her back.

We chose a lovely weekday in September to avoid the traffic. However, there was considerable roadwork being done on the Mt. Baker Scenic Byway and we had to wait 15 minutes at one point, having just missed the pilot car going down the mountain. I had been to Mt. Baker once before and had forgotten how lovely it is and how many options there are for hiking or walking near the top. You can stroll around for a few minutes, or hike for hours. Some trails are paved.

The view was stunning. A few steps from the Artist's Point parking lot, you can see more than 270 degrees around. We almost didn't see the pay station in the corner of the parking lot where you need to pay a $5.00 fee for the day.

We had to use the restrooms, and the facilities at the parking lot were really foul-smelling outhouses, almost out of toilet paper and completely out of hand sanitizer. Just after we used it, a park employee arrived to do some maintenance, but I doubt that would do much about the smell.

A short way down the mountain, we stopped at Picture Lake. Our plans for a leisurely stroll were cut short by some very aggressive insects. We ended up running back to our car with horseflies attacking mercilessly. (No one else there seemed bothered, so I'm chalking it up to some new shampoo my husband and I had both tried.)

We also stopped at about mile 46 to see the Nooksak Falls, just off the byway. I've never been so scared by a sign in my life. The sign there gives a warning about 7 different ways regarding getting too close to the edge and lists the names of the many people that have died there slipping off the rocks. Now there is a heavy-duty chain link fence that would require a lot of determination to cross, so no need to fear as long as you don't get any crazy ideas. It's well worth a brief side-trip. Lovely falls where 2 forks of the river meet and continue down a deep gorge.

We probably spent about 8 or so hours just driving, so next time we might try one of the Bed and Breakfasts we saw along the Mt. Baker Scenic Byway and take more time exploring/hiking around at the top, making it a two-day trip.

My husband and I went with our friends. We went in a jeep with no top.... it was definately an adventure. If you are thinking of going . To the top be prepared for any weather. We were in shorts and flip flops. Should have take boots or runners. It was lovely and sunny then started to pour rain. We got in the top less jeep and headed down the mountain in the rain then it started to hail able size hail. It was hilarious. But if you are not a lover of every season in the span of 10 minutes you should be warned. It could definately happen. The views were amazing. The snow spectacular. But if you have children keep a Handel on them there are many cliff and the snow is slippery. When you get close to the rocks be careful as you can fall through the snow and who knows how far.

this trip was very fun! you can go anywhere to see the mountains. there are lots of people and dogs are welcome to come but on a leash.
it was cold in the morning time but then later on it got hot and than more hot. where good shoes cause there is lots and lots and lots of walking and you will see some snow everywhere. there is a parking lot but if there is no parking in park on the hwy.
here are some pics:

Lots of great scenic hikes. The shorter ones were actually my favorites: Picture Lake Trail, Artists Ridge Trail, and Fire and Ice Trail. Artists Ridge provided wonderful views and Picture Lake was gorgeous with the foliage changing color in late September and the mountain's reflections the lake. Definitely worth the trip out through Glacier. On the drive out, there is a Visitors center that you can stop at to pick up a map showing trails. There is also another Visitor's center by the Fire and Ice Trailhead; however, that one was closed and under construction (although the restrooms on the other side of the parking lot were accessible).

At the end of the road up Mt Baker Wilderness area, at Artist Point, the elevation is 1,545m. But on the road up the mountain there are a couple of lakes, one called Picture Lake from which you can get wonderful reflections of Mt Shuksan. At the top both mountains can be seen, although Mt Baker disappeared in cloud almost as soon as we arrived. Mt Shuksan, although lower than Mt Baker, actually looks more impressive because there are no other mountains in front of it and it is closer. It too had mist blowing up blocking the view occasionally and at one time there was even a hint of snow in the air. It was 14oC at the top but there was still a fair amount of snow on the ground around the car park even in August. From Artist Point a number of trails can be walked, depending on your fitness and the weather.

I grew up in Bellingham (the largest town near Mt. Baker). The views of Mt. Shuksan from here against mirror lake are world-class. If you're visiting in the summer time, make sure you take in the views from Artist Point and, if you have time, hike up to the top of table mountain for even better views of Mt. Baker, Mt. Shuksan, and the surrounding Cascade mountains. If you're there in the late summer, you might even have the opportunity to pick wild blueberries. Mmmmm!

Go toward Mt Baker, but get off the beaten path and enjoy some hiking in the woods that surround the mountain. Beautiful rivers, plenty of wildlife, and majestic waterfalls if you are willing to get off the highways and drive on the forestry roads - these are hard packed gravel/rock roads - can be a little rough (four-wheel drive is not necessary, but a truck/SUV with good clearance is a good idea), but well worth the views and the total lack of people - Look up Forestry road 38 (or any of the other ones nearby) and you'll eventually get to the Ridley creek trailhead and see plenty of hiking opportunities in the area. Take a good camera - the views are spectacular!

We were so lucky that the day we came in September there were not many clouds. Mt. Baker was out in all of its splendor. The views up here are gorgeous. There was not any snow except on the top peaks. We took several hikes including the Chain Lakes Trail which was gorgeous. We are 63 and it wasn't too strenuous! If you don't want to hike, just walking around the short trails at the top at Artist Point is beautiful. Also, the end of the Chain Lakes Trail is in the parking lot by the ski hill. It is easy to walk a mile there and it is so lovely. The hills were covered in autumn reds and oranges so this added to the beauty of this gorgeous location.

We hiked the Yellow Aster Butte trail as well as the Chain Lake Trail. The Aster Butte trail had beautiful fall colors. The hike was strenuous especially the last part to the top of the Butte which was straight up. But well worth the effort. The Chain Lake trail allowed us to get up close to Mt Baker and ptardigan. The Chain Lake trail got really busy in the afternoon near Artist's Point. Both trails had breathtaking views.

Just day hike from parking lot around 6 hours no up
Down very little depends on what hike you do one I went on was level trail amazing up there about 1 hour from American border drive way up pass ski area to very end sometimes no parking at top so just park along road like everyone else or other parking area one stinky toilet no water there beautiful on warm sunny August sept day no flies hardly little blueberries once in awhile steams to drink from etc shorts t shirt hat sun glasses running shoes or hiking boots depending on what you feel comfortable with wet t shirt and hat in streams if you get hot amazing views all round saw lots of people with dogs over night camping pretty easy no facilities open areas every where think you need to buy parking ticket for over night not sure great place

I couldn't make it to Artists Point, the snow hadn't been cleared yet. But it's a beautiful ride and the views of adjoining mountains was fantastic. Skiers were complaining about the melting snow in April as the season neared its close.

Nice place for some scenic drive. Best time will be during summer. During winter November visit is good 50-50.

What a lovely national park without all the crowds. There are so many hiking options to accommodate the hiking challenged and those more comfortable in hiking boots and holding walking sticks. Of course there are plenty of options for the true backpackers who enjoy boiling ( or not) their glacier sourced water in the Mt Baker wilderness territories.

This area is about an hour and half away from Bellingham but a really enjoyable car ride. Nice coffee stops and local grocery stores on the way.
We particularly enjoyed the Extreme Bean coffee stand and the North fork brewery and Chair nine restaurant on the way up.
The mountain offers incredible scenery and pristine vistas. There are hikes for an hour, two hours or the standard 4, 6 and 8 hour hikes.
Steaming brooks, mountain lakes and plenty of opportunities to embrace nature.
Bring water and sunscreen.

Going to Artists Point was a great trip! I really enjoyed the drive to the top and walking the trail. Very peaceful and great views. Seems to be a lot of trails to hike but I didn't have time to do most of them. This would be a must for someone visiting!

Our original plan was to visit North Cascades National Park, but due to a wildfire, highway 20 was closed. After looking online for other options, Mt Baker came up. It didn’t disappoint us. We loved it. The hikes weren’t too hard for us (with little kid) and the views were magnificent. We did get a hazy and Smokey day bec of the wildfires nearby.
We went to picture lake, Artist Point. We hiked the fire and ice trail as well as the Bagley Lake trail. We swam a bit in the cold lake.

One of the must visits if you're in the northwest. Worth the trip up the winding roads to Artist point and there's plenty of camping spots, hiking trails before you get there. I just went for the views and pictures but there's way to much to explain on here. Do some research but make sure you visit.

Travel to Mt. Baker via Hwy 542. It's 57 miles and not a loop, It's in and out. The road follows the Nooksack River. Beautiful.7 miles east of the Glacier Ranger Station watch for the signs to Nooksack Falls. Amazing! Views from the bottom of the falls are NOT possible. Obey all the warnings - at least 11 people have been killed because they failed to follow instructions. Continue on following the road to the ski area. Stop at Picture Lake; maybe you will be lucky and get a picture of Mt. Shuksan's reflection in the water. Nice walk around the lake, easy.Drive on to Heather Meadows Visitor Center (built in 1940 as a ski warming hut; awesome construction and view from the ledge it's built on) and the Austin Pass Picnic area which overlooks Bagley Lake. Hike the area. Then 2.7 miles to the end to Artist Point (this portion of the road is very narrow with switchbacks). Magnificent views of Mt. Shuksan and Baker at roads end. There should still be snow pack off the road and parking lot. Parking pass required at trailheads. Check road conditions in late summer/early fall.