From Bellingham to the majestic peak of Mount Baker, State Route 542 otherwise known as the Mt. Baker Highway, offers visitors a step back in time.
The 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 the Mount Baker Foothills. They are filled with an array of small locally-owned and unique businesses including a Beer Shrine/Wedding Chapel, the picturesque Everybody’s Store, North Fork Brewery & Pizzeria, Snowater Association, a rare Western Washington vineyard, river rafting, restaurants, lodging, a casino and miles of scenic trails through National Forest lands.
The final 24 miles of the route are designated a U.S. National Forest National Scenic Byway, from the quaint village of Glacier to Artist Point (elev. 5,140 feet). Along the way, at milepost 52 is the 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.
