From Bellingham to the majestic peak of Mt. Baker, State Route 542 otherwise known as Mt. Baker Highway, offers visitors a step back in time.
Mt. Baker Highway winds through farmlands, rolling wooded hills, and small communities including Nugents Corner, Deming, Kendall, Maple Falls and Glacier. Following State Route 9 to the south are the towns of Van Zandt and Acme.
Collectively, these communities are known as Mt. Baker Foothills, filled with an array of small locally-owned and unique businesses including the historic North Fork Brewery, Crossroads Grocery Store, Wake n’ Bakery, and Snowater Resort. This region provides river rafting, restaurants, lodging, and miles of scenic trails through National Forest lands.
The final 24 miles of the route are designated a National Forest Scenic Byway, from the quaint community of Glacier to Artist Point (elev. 5,140 feet). Along the way, at milepost 52 is Mt. Baker Ski Area, offering skiers and snowboarders some of the finest terrain and the best snow conditions in the west.
Trail Question? Ask a Forest Ranger
Call the Glacier Public Service Center, Memorial Day to October (360-599-2714), or Mt. Baker Ranger District year-round (360-856-5700). Visit Mt. Baker- Snoqualmie National Forest for more details.
The center at Glacier is jointly operated by the U.S. Forest Service and the National Park Service. Daily and seasonal Northwest Forest Passes are available for National Forest Trails. Stores and U.S. Forest Service centers sell the pass.
Call toll-free 800-695-7623 for conditions on Mount Baker Hwy. Traction devices may be required.