Mt Baker - Artists Point

Mt Baker, Artist's Point

Artists' Point is one of Washington State's most breathtaking destinations, and is located at the end of the Mt Baker Highway, just a few miles up from the ski gields.  The final section of this highway to Artist's Point is only accessible during a short window each year.  Always check road conditions before leaving. 

Driving to Artist's Point along the Mount Baker Highway

Total drive time from Seattle is 3-hours, including a trip up i5, followed by a 58-mile drive east along the Mount Baker Highway. The start of Mount Baker Highway is a pleasant drive, complete with horse ranches and christmas tree plantations.

Glacier WA is your last stop for refreshments on the Mount Baker Highway. The final 24-miles from the township of Glacier to Artists Point is a National Forest Scenic Byway.  When you reach the very small town of Glacier, don’t forget to stop at the Glacier Public Service Center for information on conditions and hiking. 

Take the turnoff to Nooksack Falls, just after Glacier.  A short walk from the carpark will take you to the dramatic head of the falls.  There is high protective fencing around the Falls, but you can still still catch a glimpse of where the calm glacial waters suddenly plunge over the waterfall to the depths of the canyon below.  The Nooksak Falls were featured in the 1978 movie "The Deer Hunter".

You next stop is lovely Picture Lake, where surrounding mountains are reflected in the glassy surface of the lake.  Spend some time walking around this lake and absorbing the peaceful atmosphere. 

Further up the highway, Austin Pass is the gateway to a number of short hikes.  In summer this area is a combination of soft grasses, flowering meadows and alpine lakes. This is also an ideal place for a picnic.

The most dramatic part of your journey is the final 2-mile ascent to Artist's Point.  The highway meanders along sheer cliff edges with precipitous drops.  Most vehicles slow to a crawl when navigating the hairpin turns along this stretch.  This section of the highway is definitely not recommended if you're scared of heights!  Yet the final destination is truly worth it.

Upon arriving at Artist's Point carpark you will be greeted with 360-degree views, including Mt Shuksan and Mt Baker.  Kids and the young at heart will delight in the snow covered slopes.  Visitors throw snowballs and toboggan under the warm glare of the summer sun.  The more adventurous are busy exploring hiking trails.  Professional photographers secure the best vantage points for unparallelled views.

Artists Point is a truly unique experience, enabling a rare glimpse across the rooftop of the North Cascades.  These types of views are usually reserved for experienced hikers.  This is a must-see destination each year.

Restaurants at Mt Baker

There are no restaurants or cafes at Artists Point.  The Day Lodges at the nearby Mt Baker Ski Area are closed outside of the ski season.  The only dining options are in the small township of Glacier, 24-miles before Artist's Point.  Milano’s Restaurant at Glacier is great for lunch or dinner, and there's patio dining in summer.

Mt Baker Lodging & Rentals

• The Inn at Mount Baker
• Winter Creek B&B
• Baker Accommodations
• Dislodge at Mt. Baker
• The Baker Lodge
• Pinnacle Lodge at Mt Baker
• Mount Baker Resort
• Mount Baker View Guesthouse
• The Logs Resort
• Glacier Guest Suites
• Mount Baker Luxury Rentals
• Mount Baker Nights
• Mount Baker Vacation Rentals
• Mount Baker Cabins
• Mt Baker Lodging

Click here for information about camping along the Mount Baker Highway.