Winding along the banks of the Nooksack River, through small logging communities, past waterfalls, and alongside old-growth forest groves, this 58-mile trek ends at the base of the 10,781-foot volcano Mount Baker and one of the most photographed scenes in the country at Picture Lake with its mirror reflection of Mount Shuksan.
The end of the road at Artist Point is only open for 3-4 months in late summer and early fall so you may want to plan around that to get some of the best hikes and photo ops of Mount Baker.
Key points of interest:
- Picture Lake – Picture Lake is the centerpiece of a strikingly beautiful landscape in the Heather Meadows area. The classic alpine vista of Mt. Shuksan mirrored in Picture Lake is one of the most photographed mountain scenes in North America. A backdrop of mountains, wildflowers and colorful plant foliage make this a beautiful, universally accessible family hike.
- Artist Point – Located at the very end of Mount Baker Highway, State Route 542, Artist Point boasts 360-degree views of Mount Shuksan and Mount Baker, as well as access to a variety of trails. Due to excessive annual snowfall, this coveted destination is typically only open from late July to early October.