Mount Baker Scenic Byway
Mount Baker Scenic Byway
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This scenic drive through Washington's Cascades takes you through spectacular scenery that includes many viewpoints, waterfalls and opportunities for short and long hikes along the way.
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Steve5863
Avon, OH12,812 contributions
Aug 2015 • Family
While the Mount Baker Scenic Byway (WA-542) technically starts at its interchange with I-5 in Bellingham, the most scenic section starts at Glacier and continues for about 24 miles (39k) first following the North Fork Nooksack River then eventually climbing to its end at Artist Point with an elevation of 5,140 feet (1,567m). This is a beautiful drive that we liked even better than the famous North Cascades Highway (WA-20) and was the highlight of our trip to the North Cascades region.
On the eastern edge of Glacier, the Forest Service operates the Glacier Public Service Center in a building that was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1938. While there is not much in the way of exhibits here, one can pick-up maps and information on the area including current road conditions as weather or forest fires may close the road.
The following were our favorite stops along the highway and the distances are cited with the Glacier Public Service Center as the starting point. Note that many of these areas are Forest Service “fee areas” so unless you have an annual interagency pass, you will need a 5 USD day pass that can be obtained at the service center. Also, the side roads mentioned are dirt roads but passable in an ordinary car with a little car.
The first stop is the impressive twin Nooksack Falls located on Wells Creek Road (NF-33) about 0.6 miles (1.0k) after it departs the Byway (WA-542) about 7 miles (11k) east of the service center. Park in the lot on the left, just before the bridge, then walk across the road and take the short trail next to the information kiosk down to the viewing area.
An excellent place for a picnic or to just relax next to a pristine mountain river is the Shuksan Picnic Area which is located just a few 100 feet (100m) down NF-33 from its junction with the Byway (WA-542) about 13 miles (21k) east of the service center. This quiet picnic area has a number of tables spread out among the trees and access to a cobblestone beach on the North Fork Nooksack River. The parking lot has vault toilets but no potable water.
The next stop on our favorites list is Picture Lake which is located about 20 miles (32k) east of the service center on the Byway where it forms a one-way loop around the lake. Shortly after you turn onto the one-way loop, there is parking to the left, on the shoulder of the road, from where one can access the trailhead for the Picture Lake Path which is an accessible 0.5 mile (0.8k) long trail as it loops around this small lake. Even if you have never been here before, chances are you have seen this lake before in pictures reflecting Mount Shuksan with wildflowers or autumn colors in the foreground. Walking the trail in a counterclockwise direction, the spot these iconic images are taken is after a very short distance.
The last stop is the best stop; Artist Point Trailhead, which is located at the terminus of the Byway, about 24 miles (38.6k) east of the service center, and provides access to an overlook and a number of trails that provide, as the name implies, spectacularly beautiful views of Mt Baker, Mt Shuksan and surrounding areas. From the large parking lot at the trailhead, which has vault toilets but no potable water, the overlook on Artist Ridge is reached via a 100 yard (91m) accessible trail which has spotting scopes, benches and interpretive signs. Of the many trails that depart from here, we hiked the very popular 1.2 mile (1.9k) long Artist Ridge - Huntoon Point loop trail, which gains about 200 feet (61m). The trail follows the crest of Artist Ridge, providing spectacular views of Mt Baker in one direction and Mt Shuksan in the other, then loops around Huntoon Point and returns back along Artist Ridge.
On the eastern edge of Glacier, the Forest Service operates the Glacier Public Service Center in a building that was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1938. While there is not much in the way of exhibits here, one can pick-up maps and information on the area including current road conditions as weather or forest fires may close the road.
The following were our favorite stops along the highway and the distances are cited with the Glacier Public Service Center as the starting point. Note that many of these areas are Forest Service “fee areas” so unless you have an annual interagency pass, you will need a 5 USD day pass that can be obtained at the service center. Also, the side roads mentioned are dirt roads but passable in an ordinary car with a little car.
The first stop is the impressive twin Nooksack Falls located on Wells Creek Road (NF-33) about 0.6 miles (1.0k) after it departs the Byway (WA-542) about 7 miles (11k) east of the service center. Park in the lot on the left, just before the bridge, then walk across the road and take the short trail next to the information kiosk down to the viewing area.
An excellent place for a picnic or to just relax next to a pristine mountain river is the Shuksan Picnic Area which is located just a few 100 feet (100m) down NF-33 from its junction with the Byway (WA-542) about 13 miles (21k) east of the service center. This quiet picnic area has a number of tables spread out among the trees and access to a cobblestone beach on the North Fork Nooksack River. The parking lot has vault toilets but no potable water.
The next stop on our favorites list is Picture Lake which is located about 20 miles (32k) east of the service center on the Byway where it forms a one-way loop around the lake. Shortly after you turn onto the one-way loop, there is parking to the left, on the shoulder of the road, from where one can access the trailhead for the Picture Lake Path which is an accessible 0.5 mile (0.8k) long trail as it loops around this small lake. Even if you have never been here before, chances are you have seen this lake before in pictures reflecting Mount Shuksan with wildflowers or autumn colors in the foreground. Walking the trail in a counterclockwise direction, the spot these iconic images are taken is after a very short distance.
The last stop is the best stop; Artist Point Trailhead, which is located at the terminus of the Byway, about 24 miles (38.6k) east of the service center, and provides access to an overlook and a number of trails that provide, as the name implies, spectacularly beautiful views of Mt Baker, Mt Shuksan and surrounding areas. From the large parking lot at the trailhead, which has vault toilets but no potable water, the overlook on Artist Ridge is reached via a 100 yard (91m) accessible trail which has spotting scopes, benches and interpretive signs. Of the many trails that depart from here, we hiked the very popular 1.2 mile (1.9k) long Artist Ridge - Huntoon Point loop trail, which gains about 200 feet (61m). The trail follows the crest of Artist Ridge, providing spectacular views of Mt Baker in one direction and Mt Shuksan in the other, then loops around Huntoon Point and returns back along Artist Ridge.
Written 11 January 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Arden W
Marysville, WA167 contributions
July 2018 • Couples
The sights along the Mt Baker Scenic Hwy are spectacular. Round trip is about 120 miles from Bellingham. We started with a stop at the ranger station (mile marker 34). You can pick up some useful information and use the last flush toilet on the way up the mountain. We also stopped at Nooksack Falls (mile 40), Picture Lake (mile 55), Heather Meadows Visitor Center (mile 56), and finally Artist Point (mile 58). There is a very easy half mile hike around Picture Lake, which is one of the most photographed sites in WA. We also did the easy Fire and Ice trail at Heather Meadows.
Bring water, and a picnic lunch. Many beautiful spots to relax and have a picnic. We brought our dog, and it wasn’t a problem. You need to buy a day pass at the Ranger station ($5). Many families were sledding on the hills around Artist Point. It is at this spot that. You can see the top of Baker and the glacier. Great day trip from Bellingham.
Bring water, and a picnic lunch. Many beautiful spots to relax and have a picnic. We brought our dog, and it wasn’t a problem. You need to buy a day pass at the Ranger station ($5). Many families were sledding on the hills around Artist Point. It is at this spot that. You can see the top of Baker and the glacier. Great day trip from Bellingham.
Written 25 July 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DaveofSeattle
Tacoma, WA2,241 contributions
Apr 2017
We drive this route fairly often in the summer and fall - as it leads to some of Washington's best day hikes. Glimpses of the areas high peaks are limited until you reach the end of the byway - as you drive through the Mt. Baker ski area and into the Artist Point area. But then ... wow!
That's not to say that the scenery is not good to that point. But it's mostly rolling rural lands and then forested roadway - beautiful to be sure. But with a name like Mt. Baker Scenic Byway - you expect MOUNTAINS. Go with the expectation that you'll see a few high ridges, a lot of beautiful farms, forests, small towns, and streams (the Nooksak plays tag with the Byway for most of the way to Mt. Baker), and you'll be happy.
Upon reaching Glacier - there are a couple of last stop type bars, pizza/burger joints, and gas stations. These are excellent pre/post Mt. Baker stops. As well, the ranger station/visitors center on the east end of the town is a great place to stop to get your bearings pre-hike, to buy some souvenirs, to get the appropriate permits, or to stretch your legs before the final half hour drive.
Mid-July to early August is when the snow is usually cleared from the final drive to Artist Point. If traveling there - make sure the road is open before you leave (only rarely do they get the road open in early July - more often it's late July or early August). The views on the final couple of miles to the point and from the point are among the best in the state.
Looming to the south of Artist Point is Mt. Baker (aka Komo Kushan). The third highest volcano in the state - this peak is a majestic landmark visible from Seattle to Vancouver. From this point, it's simply a gorgeous, snow covered giant. To the east is what I believe to be the most beautiful mountain in the state: Mt. Shuksan. From most populated areas, Shuksan is hidden by it's larger, volcanic neighbor (Shuksan is not volcanic). But from Artist Point, you are able to see it in all it's glaciated glory. There are a number of trails from the Artist Point parking area (which has a relatively large restroom) - including the terrific Ptarmigan Ridge trail (about 9 miles roundtrip with 1400' elevation gain - a moderately strenuous hike taking you near Mt. Baker's East Portal (you can hike about another mile ONTO the portal) - with views of Shuksan, Baker, and many of the Cascade peaks included in the sweeping views from nearly every point on this trail. There's also Table Mountain - a much shorter and easy hike - about 3 miles roundtrip and 750' gained - mostly in a short stretch up the side of the butte. The top of Table Mtn. is rolling, with many views of Shuksan and Baker and the peaks north into Canada.
There are dozens of other day hikes originating off/near the Byway too. Check the Washington Trails Association website (WTA.org) for much more information about these and other hikes in the state.
The Byway is a great adventure - but mostly if you're traveling to one of these trailheads or to Artist Point to take in some of the best mountain views anywhere.
That's not to say that the scenery is not good to that point. But it's mostly rolling rural lands and then forested roadway - beautiful to be sure. But with a name like Mt. Baker Scenic Byway - you expect MOUNTAINS. Go with the expectation that you'll see a few high ridges, a lot of beautiful farms, forests, small towns, and streams (the Nooksak plays tag with the Byway for most of the way to Mt. Baker), and you'll be happy.
Upon reaching Glacier - there are a couple of last stop type bars, pizza/burger joints, and gas stations. These are excellent pre/post Mt. Baker stops. As well, the ranger station/visitors center on the east end of the town is a great place to stop to get your bearings pre-hike, to buy some souvenirs, to get the appropriate permits, or to stretch your legs before the final half hour drive.
Mid-July to early August is when the snow is usually cleared from the final drive to Artist Point. If traveling there - make sure the road is open before you leave (only rarely do they get the road open in early July - more often it's late July or early August). The views on the final couple of miles to the point and from the point are among the best in the state.
Looming to the south of Artist Point is Mt. Baker (aka Komo Kushan). The third highest volcano in the state - this peak is a majestic landmark visible from Seattle to Vancouver. From this point, it's simply a gorgeous, snow covered giant. To the east is what I believe to be the most beautiful mountain in the state: Mt. Shuksan. From most populated areas, Shuksan is hidden by it's larger, volcanic neighbor (Shuksan is not volcanic). But from Artist Point, you are able to see it in all it's glaciated glory. There are a number of trails from the Artist Point parking area (which has a relatively large restroom) - including the terrific Ptarmigan Ridge trail (about 9 miles roundtrip with 1400' elevation gain - a moderately strenuous hike taking you near Mt. Baker's East Portal (you can hike about another mile ONTO the portal) - with views of Shuksan, Baker, and many of the Cascade peaks included in the sweeping views from nearly every point on this trail. There's also Table Mountain - a much shorter and easy hike - about 3 miles roundtrip and 750' gained - mostly in a short stretch up the side of the butte. The top of Table Mtn. is rolling, with many views of Shuksan and Baker and the peaks north into Canada.
There are dozens of other day hikes originating off/near the Byway too. Check the Washington Trails Association website (WTA.org) for much more information about these and other hikes in the state.
The Byway is a great adventure - but mostly if you're traveling to one of these trailheads or to Artist Point to take in some of the best mountain views anywhere.
Written 9 April 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CharleyNottinghamUK
Nottingham, UK955 contributions
June 2016 • Couples
We were on vacation this June, staying in Bellingham, Ideally, close to drive to Mt. Baker. Only three exit's on I-5, from where we were staying, to Hwy 542. It was a beautiful day, blue skies and sunshine. We made for Maple Falls, a 40mins, drive, where we turned left onto Silver Lake Road, heading for Silver Lake, only three miles away. What a beautiful area this is. We parked up, and headed for the lake, where we saw people fishing and boating. The bonus for us while we were here, was to see Bald Eagles, flying and fishing in the lake, brilliant! After an hour or so, we drove back onto Hwy. 542, heading for the Glacier Forest Service Station. Here there are restrooms and lot's of information to be had about hiking this area. Not far from here, we pulled off onto a dirt road to see the Nooksack Waterfalls. There's a small parking area, then a short walk to the falls, which was well worth the visit. We continued our drive towards Mt. Baker Ski Area. We started to climb through the forest, the road twisting and turning,( drive to the speed limits and you should be o.k.) As you get higher, the views of the mountains and countryside are awesome. (Place's to stop and take photo's). We made it to Picture Lake, what a beautiful place this is. A must stop, we had a walk around the lake taking in the views, and seeing Mt. Shuksan, with it's mirrored image on the lake,WOW! Driving on another ten mins. or so, twisting and turning, we made it to the top. There were a lot of cars parked up, but space for us to park. Surrounded by walls of Snow, we walked and joined lot's of people having fun in the snow.( Lot's of families with kids.) Some were ski-ing, some snow boarding and some climbing. The views from up here are gob smacking! seeing for miles across the cascade mountains and valleys. This was well worth the 58 mile drive, we wouldn't have missed this for the life of us. What a brilliant day out we had. Make sure to bring your camera, binoculars and walking shoe's/boots. Have fun, and do this drive, we did!
Written 15 July 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Haritha M
Seattle, WA158 contributions
This byway is more popular with the locals and understandably so. It's a 3 hour drive from Seattle & it is remote but the drive itself surpassed my expectations. We've driven the famed mountain byways in Colorado & this one is definitely right up there with those. Our early October visit was perfect for viewing the brilliant fall color display . The highlight of this drive in my opinion is the reflection of Mount Shuksan in Picture Lake. You feel like you're inside a postcard! The byway ends at Artist Point, which offers spectacular views of both Mt. Baker & Mt. Shuksan. We heard the last 2 miles or so of the byway are closed after the first substantial snowfall so plan accordingly. There seemed to be plenty of parking but we went Ina weekday so it might be busier during holidays.
Written 21 October 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ingrid D
Belgium365 contributions
July 2018 • Family
We travelled the stretch from Maple Falls to Artist Point early July. The road had just been cleared from snow. The views along the drive were amazing. Bring a sweater, even when it's sunny it can be chilly in the mountains.
Written 1 January 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Skwiki
Burnaby, Canada1,786 contributions
Oct 2017 • Solo
The final few miles are spectacular , but 2 important facts ... Artist Point , at the end of the road is about Milepost 47 or so . The last chance for gas is in Maple Falls , close to MP 27 , so you will be driving along a mountain road gaining elevation to approximately a mile high. Part of the highway is 50 mph and it then changes to 35 with sharp switchbacks and not much shoulder area to pull over .
Also if you don't have a pass you have to stop at the visitor center in Glacier to pay the $5 fee. When I went yesterday the center was closed . There is a machine where you can purchase a pass but it only accepts credit cards from US banks or US money . It didn't look like it gave change , so you need exactly $5 . It did accept coins. I don't know why the office was closed and if that is customary in the off season .
There also is another pay station near the ski lift and beside the restrooms at Artist Point.
Make sure you stop where the road splits into a one way loop around Picture Lake for the iconic shot of Mt Shuksan reflected in the lake if the waters are calm . From there the road to Artist Point is breathtaking ! I go about once a year and it was so clear yesterday I felt as though I was seeing it for the first time. One of the most incredible views I have ever seen . I wish I had the time to stay til the sun set .
Also if you don't have a pass you have to stop at the visitor center in Glacier to pay the $5 fee. When I went yesterday the center was closed . There is a machine where you can purchase a pass but it only accepts credit cards from US banks or US money . It didn't look like it gave change , so you need exactly $5 . It did accept coins. I don't know why the office was closed and if that is customary in the off season .
There also is another pay station near the ski lift and beside the restrooms at Artist Point.
Make sure you stop where the road splits into a one way loop around Picture Lake for the iconic shot of Mt Shuksan reflected in the lake if the waters are calm . From there the road to Artist Point is breathtaking ! I go about once a year and it was so clear yesterday I felt as though I was seeing it for the first time. One of the most incredible views I have ever seen . I wish I had the time to stay til the sun set .
Written 4 October 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ena S
Vancouver, Canada764 contributions
June 2015 • Family
We drove from Vancouver, British Columbia and it is about 2 hours drive to Artist Point.
The highlights of the scenic highway are Picture Lake, the name of which suggests that you can expect picture-perfect views, and Artist Point which is, in my opinion, the cherry-on-top of the drive.
There is a wonderful easy hike at Artist Point offering amazing panoramas towards Mount Shuksan and Mount Baker. Mount Shuksan looks prettier for photos with its jagged cliffs reflecting in pools of water along the hike, whereas Mount Baker looks white and heavily glaciated even in the summer.
We highly recommend you to drive the top of the highway, which is at Artist Point. There is plenty of parking and it doesn't look particularly crowded. Since it is an area of high elevation, please be prepared for quickly changing weather conditions. We advise you to visit the area between May and October when the road is snow free and you can expect greater enjoyment of the beautiful mountain vistas.
The highlights of the scenic highway are Picture Lake, the name of which suggests that you can expect picture-perfect views, and Artist Point which is, in my opinion, the cherry-on-top of the drive.
There is a wonderful easy hike at Artist Point offering amazing panoramas towards Mount Shuksan and Mount Baker. Mount Shuksan looks prettier for photos with its jagged cliffs reflecting in pools of water along the hike, whereas Mount Baker looks white and heavily glaciated even in the summer.
We highly recommend you to drive the top of the highway, which is at Artist Point. There is plenty of parking and it doesn't look particularly crowded. Since it is an area of high elevation, please be prepared for quickly changing weather conditions. We advise you to visit the area between May and October when the road is snow free and you can expect greater enjoyment of the beautiful mountain vistas.
Written 28 June 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DaPheonix
Honolulu, HI499 contributions
Aug 2012 • Friends
We were fortunate that Artist Point located at the very end of Mount Baker Highway, State Route 542 was open, which provides a 360-degree view of Mount Shuksan and Mount Baker. It's a little over an hour drive up to Artist Point and back to Bellingham but well worth the trip. You should check with WSDOT before driving out there to learn if the road is open. The views are fantastic, and for motorcycles the road up to the Point is fantastic and well maintained. Gorgeous ride with exceptional views and photo opportunities at the top.
Written 4 September 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SmallWonders
Lynnwood147 contributions
Oct 2018 • Friends
My friend and her mom visiting from Florida who is 77 drove up and all my photos were taken on short easy walks from the car.There is lots of parking lots to stop and get out and walk around make sure you got all the way to the top and walk around
Written 18 October 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hi im planning a day or overnight trip from Surrey,BC in the end of July or August with 3 kids aged 15,12,9. what all is recommended to consider in advance. what imp stuff i should be loading on? also what are the different spots i can visit along the way and scenic spots which are easy within walking distance from the car. thanks
Written 21 July 2019
Hi Ena,
I am looking into driving to Mt.Baker Glacier area. Google told me its about 1 hour and 50 minute, I am wondering how might border crossing add to it? Did you have trouble at all with it? From Vancouver as well!
Would really appreciate your help=)
Sincerely,
Elaine
Written 28 July 2017
I haven't traveled through the Sumas crossing yet. I know that it used to be a pretty carefree border crossing - but over the last five years or so has become exceptionally popular to the point it's only marginally quicker than the I-5 crossing.
We're thinking of driving up that way this fall. Let us know how quickly you get through the crossing, if you would!
I'm looking at Google Maps right now, and at 10:45a traffic appears to be lined up for about 1/2 of a mile at the most - and appears similar to the backup at the Peace Arch and other Western Washington crossings.
Written 28 July 2017
Hi guys! I'm planning on driving from Vancouver, BC to Mount Baker via this scenic byway in mid-September. I know it's definitely doable in a single day but my main concern is road conditions. My car is a rearwheel drive and handles rain/snow poorly. Will this be an issue in early/mid-September? Thanks!
Written 2 September 2016
The best time to visit the area and what if I visited at the end of February or march. What's your safety advice do I need a snow gear and snow tires...?
Written 29 February 2016
All I am planning to take this drive on first week of October , Do I need to carry food along the drive ; is there restaurants along this drive ?
Written 2 September 2015
Harsh_gupta19
Seattle, Washington
We are not sure if we need/should pack our snow gear (gloves, warm clothes etc) we are planning to visit this week (4th of july weekend), is there snow at artist point?
Written 2 July 2015
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