Mount Baker Scenic Byway
Embark from Seattle to a scenic drive towards Mt Baker on I 5. Mount Baker Highway (SR 542), connects Bellingham to snow-capped Mt. Baker. The highway was built gradually in the late 1800s as an access road for the lucrative logging industry and its rich history is well documented.
At Glacier, the road passes into the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest and is a designated National Forest Scenic Byway. Towering evergreens and leaf maples line the route, with skirts of the Nooksack River peeking out at several points.
In the summer months, the highway ends at milepost 58 in a parking lot, which gives visitors access to Artist Point and its spectacular views of Mt. Baker’s 10,781-foot peak. The area is a great jumping-off-point for Mt. Baker hiking.
In the winter months, the road ends at milepost 55, which is the Mount Baker Ski Area – holder of the world record for snowfall in a single season and is the birthplace of snowboarding.
Fragrance Lake
Fragrance Lake sits up in the cradle of the Chuckanut Mountains in Larrabee State Park, just south of Bellingham. This hike is a popular spot for geologists like Dave Tucker to hang out, because of the diverse types of geology you pass through. “The trail to Fragrance Lake in Larabee State Park is one of the most popular [hiking trails] in the Bellingham area,” Tucker said in his Fragrance Lake Geology Guide.
Fairhaven Historic District
If you love great food, boutique shopping, an amazing art scene and getting outside in a small town, you will love Bellingham’s Fairhaven Village. One of my favorite things about the Village is that everything is local and can only be found here in Whatcom County, making it the perfect day trip from Seattle. No visit to Bellingham is complete without crossing off at least a few items on this list.
Heather Meadows Visitor Center
The Civilian Conservation Corps built the Heather Meadows Visitor Center in 1940 for a ski warming hut. Workers used rock and heavy timber to meticulously restore the building’s architectural lines to blend into the surrounding environment. The center sits on a rock ledge at the edge of the Austin Pass Picnic Area and overlooks Bagley Lakes in the Heather Meadows area located along the upper reaches of the Mt. Baker Scenic Byway, State Route 542.
Artist Point
After you've wound your way up Mount Baker Highway, all the gorgeous mountain scenery comes to an extraordinary climax at Artist Point. A short hike takes you to grand views of Mount Baker itself, the volcanic peak to the southwest of Artist Point. You don't even have to leave the parking lot to take in the breathtaking sight of Mt. Shuksan and the North Cascade Range. Hiking trails, including the short Artist Ridge trail, allow you to savor the views in all directions.
Nooksack Falls
Nooksack Falls (mile 40)
A short drive off the main highway along Wells Creek Road (a well-maintained dirt road) takes you to the viewing area for this charming misty waterfall.
Picture Lake
Picture Lake (mile 55)
For much of the year, this extremely photogenic little lake is as far as you can travel along the Mount Baker Highway. The road circles the lake, as does a flat and accessible half-mile trail. From the trail (or your parking spot) you can enjoy an amazing view of Mt. Shuksan, made all the more lovely reflected in the still lake.
Back to Seattle
Drop the guests back to Hotel
3 Comments
4.6
We embarked on an incredible journey through breathtaking landscapes, where the towering peaks and lush cascades left us in awe. One highlight was the hike we took, where the kids were thrilled to spot a family of deer grazing nearby, making for a magical moment. While the SUV comfortably accommodated our family, we did wish for a bit more time to explore some of the viewpoints along the way. The guide shared fascinating stories that truly enhanced our experience, creating a lovely balance between adventure and education. Overall, this private tour offered us a memorable day surrounded by nature and was a wonderful way to bond as a family.
4.8
Our family had a wonderful day exploring the stunning landscapes around Mt. Baker, with breathtaking views of the cascades that truly exceeded our expectations. The SUV ride was comfortable, and we appreciated the chance to customize our stops, especially when we hiked near the iconic Heather Meadows. While the guide was knowledgeable, we found ourselves wishing for a bit more insight into the local flora and fauna during our trek. All in all, it was a memorable adventure filled with beautiful vistas and quality family time. Just a few more details about the hiking trails would have made it even better!
4.8
Our family had a fantastic day exploring the majestic landscapes of Mt. Baker and the Cascades in a comfortable SUV. The drive itself was a treat, with winding roads revealing breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and lush forests. One of the highlights was our hike, where we stumbled upon a hidden waterfall that left us in awe; the sound of rushing water was music to our ears.
While we appreciated the private nature of the tour, we found ourselves wishing for a few more stops to capture pictures at various viewpoints, as the scenery was simply stunning. Our guide shared interesting facts about the region, enhancing our appreciation for the natural beauty around us. Overall, it was a well-organized adventure that balanced relaxation and exploration perfectly, giving us ample time to connect with nature as a family.