Mt. Baker Scenic Byway
Mt. Baker Scenic Byway is a Washington State and a National Forest Scenic Byway stretching over 57 miles. It provides some of the most scenic areas in all of the United States. Reaching 10,781 feet, Mt. Baker’s snow-covered peaks offers spectacular views of Mt. Shuksan and the Cascade Mountain range.
Mt. Baker, a volcano, is the third highest summit in Washington State. It stuns many ferry riders as far the San Juan Islands, over 100 miles away. It is also the iciest mountain in the Cascade Range. With more than 62 square miles of glaciers and permanent snow fields, it averages over 50 foot of snowfall a year. Known as one of the snowiest places in the world, it set the world record in 1999 for the highest recorded snowfall in a single season, 95 feet of snow.
Avalanche danger here is very high, as is weather, which can be extreme and change very quickly. Planning and timing your trip is extremely important; paying attention to avalanche advisories, road conditions, weather, and road closures.
From Bellingham, Washington, take the I-5 along State Route 542 as it winds along the scenic North Fork Nooksack River, climbing an elevation of 5,140 feet to Artist Point. Artist Point is located at the very end of Mt. Baker Highway (SR 542). Here you will find 360 degree panoramic views of Mt. Shuksan and Mt. Baker. You will also find access to many trails in summer.
As you travel along the highway, you will make many switchbacks (some hairpin) going higher and higher. Crews spend many hours clearing snow from the roads, once open for travel. And even though plowed, areas of travel can be tricky, winding, and there are no guard rails. The entire road is paved, very scenic, and still worth the drive. Take your time and enjoy.
Traveling the roads to Artist Point in July.
Be sure to stop at Glacier Public Service Center just east of Glacier at milepost 34 to learn about current road, trails, and their conditions on your way up. They have public restrooms and picnic tables, making it a perfect stop to your day. You can purchase recreational passes here. Vehicles parked at all trail heads, and some picnic areas, will require one.
Picnic Lunch at the Glacier Public Service Center
In summer, Mt. Baker is home to more than 200 miles of hiking trails, lakes, and rustic scenery.
* favorites
Heliotrope Ridge
5.5 mile popular trail leading you from dense forests to flower filled avalanche chutes, snowy alpine terrain, streams, and glaciers. This can be somewhat of a difficult hike with a steep 1400 gain in elevation. Be sure to have poles and never venture out onto the glacier without proper alpine climbing gear and experience.
Horseshoe Bend *
2.8 mile good hike for families starting at a staircase that descends through lush green forests and follows along the Nooksack River upstream. Here you will find forests and waterfalls.
Skyline Divide
6 miles of one of the most popular hikes in Mt. Baker area. You will find meadows filled with flowers, incredible views of Mt. Baker, it’s alpine terrain, many peaks, rivers, and forests. Biting insects are plentiful here, and black bears frequent this area. Please be aware of bear safety for all trails in the Mt. Baker area.
Nooksack Falls *
One of the most popular waterfalls in the North Cascades, it plunges 88 feet by two plumes and then snakes through a deep gorge. There have been many fatalities at this waterfall trying to get better views. Views from the bottom of the falls are not possible. Stay behind the fenced area at the end of the trail. It is only a short walk from the parking lot to the viewpoint. Access to this area is down a short dirt road off the main highway.
Yellow Aster Butte
6.8 miles of moderate hiking through switchbacks, forests, meadows, and onto a lake; a popular fishing area. Here you will find stunning rock formations carved by glaciers and wildflowers. Enjoy spectacular views of Mount Baker, Border Peaks, Mount Larrabee, and the western portion of the High Divide. Hikers may find evidence of old mining activity, as the Gold Run Mining Company built this trail in the 1900s. The north side of Gold Run Pass can hold snow well into the summer months and be quite steep. Hikers will need an ice axe and experience traveling on snow and ice to reach the lake from this area before the snow melts.
Horseshoe Bend Trailhead
Nooksack Falls
*favorites
Picture Lake Path *
0.5 mile scenic loop around Picture Lake mirroring the alpine vista of Mt. Shuksan. This is one of the most photographed mountain scenes in North America.
Wild Goose Trail
2.5 miles leading to other trails, picnic areas, the Heather Meadows Visitor Center, and ends at Artist Point.
Bagley Lakes Trail *
1.5 miles along the east shore of Bagley Lakes and junctions with other trails.
Panorama Dome Trail *
1.5 miles with impressive views of Mt. Baker.
Fire and Ice Trail *
0.5 mile paved walk leading to a scenic overlook.
Lake Ann Trail
4 miles into the Mt. Baker wilderness.
Artist Ridge Trail *
1 mile loop with views of Mt. Shuksan, Mt. Baker, and a scenic overlook. Here you may find blueberries and sometimes even goats grazing in the meadows.
Table Mountain Trail
1 mile with switchbacks up steep terrain along Table Mountain to the summit. This is not recommended for small children as trails are narrow and steep.
Chain Lakes Trails
7 miles entering the Mt. Baker wilderness. Be aware that black bears frequent this area. Again, all trails in Mt. Baker can have bears, so be prepared.
Ptarmigan Ridge Trails
4 miles crossing snowfields and rocky mountains.
Mt. Baker Ski Area
Mt. Baker Ski Area is located in the Heather Meadows Base Area. It’s base elevation is 3,500 feet and peaks at 5,089 feet. It’s also only 10 miles south of the Canadian border. It is often featured in ski and snowboard films, such as Call of the Wild and the TV series Frazier.
Waterfalls along the drive up to Artist Point.
Picture Lake
Bagley Lakes
Artist Point
Congratulations! You’ve made it to your final destination along this glorious drive. As you arrive to the top, you will find a parking lot with restrooms. Here you will find the Park Glacier Climbing Route and the Artist Point Trailhead to Huntoon Point. Park Glacier Climbing is for the advanced hiker and quite difficult. The hike to Huntoon Point is a very popular trail and great for families and beginner hikers. This is just over a mile long roundtrip, with an elevation of 300 feet. It offers amazing views of Mt. Shuksan and Baker Lake. You can also hike to Table Mountain from here, taking about 2 hours.
Artist Point to Huntoon Point
Snow covered bathrooms (non flushable) in the parking lot at Artist Point.
Do you have a favorite hiking trail in the Mt. Baker area?
Information provided has been gathered from NPS.gov and various other resources and are approximations.
Pinterest Pin
This article is dedicated to:
My friend Casey.
Casey | 21st Jan 19
Simply beautiful! We just booked Beach State Park, WA to go camping in May. However, we’re only camping there for 2 days. Maybe we can convince our friends to add this to our 7 day trip??
Thanks for posting! You are my travel spirit animal 🙂
Journey Jitters | 22nd Jan 19
I can’t wait to hear about your travels. Keep us posted.