People travel from across the country and even the world to hike in the Mount Baker Wilderness. From peaceful meadows filled with colorful wildflowers to front-row views of glaciers, hiking in Mount Baker offers breathtaking scenery and a variety of trails for all abilities. Those who want to summit Mount Baker can hire a local guide through Cascade Mountain Ascents.
The Mt. Baker Highway is a designated “Scenic Byway” and begins at I-5 exit 253 in Bellingham. In winter, the road ends at milepost 55 at the ski area. In summer (around mid-July), the road is cleared of snow to Artist Point at milepost 58, and most trails remain snow-free through the fall. Here is a short list of popular, easy to moderate hikes in the Mt. Baker area.
Note: Most trails in Mount Baker require a NW Forest Pass, which you can purchase online or at a U.S. Forest Service location.
For current road and trail conditions on Mt. Baker Highway view the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie Forest alerts and conditions webpage. Remember to always recreate responsibly.
Get to know beautiful Mt. Baker on foot. Select from a dozen remarkable hikes that allow you to experience some of the most spectacular scenery in Washington State.
Maple Creek Loop Trail (1.4 miles RT) This hike is located in the town of Maple Falls, on the way to Glacier and Mount Baker. Enjoy a loop hike and a spur trail to Maple Falls.
Heliotrope Ridge (5.5 miles RT) This moderate hike offers views of glaciers along with flowers, streams and waterfalls. Usually open mid-July through October, depending on snow melt.
Horseshoe Bend (2.4 miles RT) Winds along the North Fork of the Nooksack River and is accessible most of the year.
Yellow Aster Butte (7.5 miles RT) Trail travels through parklands, rock gardens, views of summits, streams, and meadowlands. At the summit of the butte enjoy the full panorama.
Damfino Lakes (6 miles RT) Nice hike that leads through forested slopes to open meadows by Excelsior Pass and by Damfino Lakes on the way.
Hannegan Pass (8-10 miles RT) Climbs through avalanche slopes, forest, streams and meadows with views of Ruth Mountain. At the pass you can continue on a steep trail to the peak with views of Mt. Shuksan.
Picture Lake (.6 mile RT) - ADA Accessible
This short easy trail, which is also wheelchair accessible, is not short on views. Get your camera out to get a spectacular shot of Mt. Shuksan reflecting in the lake. This spot is also great for viewing fall color.
Fire and Ice Trail (.5 mile RT)
This is a self-guided interpretive trail, and is wheelchair accessible. Several other trails also begin at this point.
Artist Ridge (1.2 miles RT) This self-guided interpretive trail takes you to overlooks with great views of Mt. Baker and other peaks.
Chain Lakes Trail (1 - 6 miles) The first mile of this trail is nearly level, although on the side of a steep slope. It takes you to a junction with a closer view of Mt. Baker. At this point the trail splits and ambitious hikers can continue to Chains Lakes or Ptarmigan Ridge (4-5 more miles).
Table Mountain (2.6 miles RT) - No Dogs The first part of this hike is steep and zig zags up through lava cliffs. (Not recommended for young children). It ends at a mountain top with panoramic views.
Lake Ann (8.2 miles RT) The trailhead to Lake Ann begins just below Artist Point. The trail descends through sub-alpine forest before climbing to the titular lake. There, enjoy epic views of Mount Shuksan, Fisher Chimney, and Curtis Glacier.
The eastern half of Whatcom County is encompassed by North Cascades National Park, including the scenic Diablo Lake and Ross Lake, as well as the town of Newhalem on Highway 20. This one of the most remote and biodiverse national parks in the United States.
Ladder Creek Falls (.5 miles RT, includes stairs) Hidden behind the Gorge Powerhouse in Newhalem, the hike to view Ladder Creek Falls was built by J.D. Ross as an attraction illuminated by electric light in the evenings to show off the beauty of the electricity generated by the powerhouse.
Discover more North Cascades hikes here.
