Mt. Baker Scenic Highway

The upper 24 miles of the Mt. Baker Highway (State Route 542) is designated a National Forest Scenic Byway and a Washington State Scenic Byway. The highway winds along the North Fork Nooksack River, ending at spectacular Artist Point, elevation 5,140 feet, in the Heather Meadows Area. At road's end, trail systems lead into the Mt. Baker Wilderness. During winter months, motor traffic ends at the Mt. Baker Ski Area.

Glacier Public Service Center (milepost 34)
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Jointly operated during the summer season by the Forest Service and National Park Service.

Mt. Baker Vista
Dramatic viewpoint at the end of Glacier Creek Road (Forest Road 39).

Horseshoe Bend Trail (milepost 36)
One-and-a-half mile hiker-only trail wanders along a forested ledge above the North Fork Nooksack River bank.

Nooksack Falls (milepost 41)
Dramatic waterfall plummets more than 100 feet over rocky outcrops. Fence-lined pathway leads to viewpoint.

Heather Meadows Area
Subalpine setting between Mt. Baker and Mt. Shuksan. Heather Meadows Visitor Center open summer season. Self-guided interpretive trails, vistas, naturalist programs and picnicking.

The Mt. Baker Scenic Byway works well for those who like to drive and hike. These popular trails have trailheads along the Mt. Baker Scenic Byway:

Damfino Lakes, Trail #625
Trailhead: Road 31
Miles: 3.0
Remarks: Non-wilderness

High Divide, Trail #630
Trailhead: Highway 542
Miles: 13.0
Remarks: Wilderness; stock; no fires

Church Mountain, Trail #671
Trailhead: Road 3040
Miles: 4.2
Remarks: Non-wilderness

Heliotrope Ridge, Trail #677
Trailhead: Road 39
Miles: 3.0
Remarks: Wilderness; no fires

Skyline Divide, Trail #678
Trailhead: Road 37
Miles: 3.5
Remarks: Wilderness; no fires; stock

Horseshoe Bend, Trail #687
Trailhead: Highway 542
Miles: 1.5
Remarks: Non-wilderness

Goat Mountain, Trail #673
Trailhead: Road 32
Miles: 4.0
Remarks: Wilderness; no fires; stock

Hannegan Pass, Trail #674
Trailhead: Road 32
Miles: 5.0
Remarks: Wilderness; stock; enters national park

Winchester Mountain, Trail #685
Trailhead: Road 3065
Miles: 2.0
Remarks: Wilderness; no fires; leads to lookout

Yellow Aster, Trail #699
Trailhead: Road 3065
Miles: 3.5
Remarks: Wilderness; no fires

Lake Ann, Trail #600
Trailhead: Highway 542
Miles: 4.7
Remarks: Enters wilderness; no fires

Ptarmigan Ridge, Trail #615
Trailhead: Trail 682
Miles: 5.0
Remarks: Enters wilderness; no fires

Table Mountain, Trail #681
Trailhead: Highway 542
Miles: 1.5
Remarks: Enters wilderness; no dogs; no fires

Chain Lakes, Trail #682
Trailhead: Highway 542
Miles: 6.5
Remarks: Wilderness; no fires; camping designated sites

Picture Lake, Trail #735
Trailhead: Highway 542
Miles: 0.5
Remarks: No dogs; universally accessible

Fire and Ice, Trail #684.2
Trailhead: Highway 542
Miles: 0.5
Remarks: Self-guided interpretive trail

Wild Goose, Trail #684.3
Trailhead: Highway 542
Miles: 2.5
Remarks: Self-guided interpretive trail

Trail #669
Name: Artist Ridge
Trailhead: HIGHWAY 542
Miles: 1.0
Remarks: Self-guided interpretive trail

Go To GORP Washington Scenic Byways