A trip to Mount Baker is a great way to get outside and enjoy the views. The mountain is located in the North Cascades region of Washington State, south of Canada. You can hike the mountain to discover its glacier and jagged mountain peaks. Most day hikes start at Artist Point, which is located at the end of the road leading up to the mountain. From this viewpoint, you can enjoy the views of Mount Baker and nearby mountains and lakes, as well as the visitor center.
You can hike to Mount Baker’s Yellow Aster Butte, a 7.5-mile round-trip trail with 360-degree views of Mount Baker and Mount Shuksan. The upper reaches of the Mount Baker Highway are closed to cars until further notice, but they are still accessible by foot or bike. There are some road closures along the way, however. The hillside at milepost 55.6 may be unstable and closed to cars for the rest of the summer. However, there are plenty of hiking and backpacking trails in Mount Baker National Park.
While the reputation of Mt. Baker as a relatively quiet mountain has merit, it is far from the case. On the day of Powderhounds’ review, Mt. Baker was packed with skiers, comparable to the level of activity at Vail on Presidents weekend. Despite the limited terrain and only 30 lifts, it was still jammed with skiers and snowboarders. The resort also had an infamous whiteout, which isn’t exactly a welcoming environment.
The climb to Mount Baker is free with a regional pass and Mountaineers operate a lodge and provide assistance. Depending on your skill level and fitness level, you may even need to pay for your camping spot if you’re planning on staying overnight. Regardless of your fitness level, you’re sure to have a great time on this spectacular mountain. While this mountain is notoriously challenging, the terrain is often beautiful and rewarding.
The mountain’s 1,000 acres are great for skiing or snowboarding, and the vertical drop is 1,588 feet. There are eight slow quad chairs and 10 lifts, but the steep slopes make it difficult to progress beyond the intermediate level. Despite its steep, rocky terrain, Mt. Baker is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a challenging, yet fun mountain trip. Located close to the Canadian border, Mt. Baker offers incredible views and multiple recreational options.
The ash from the Mount Baker eruption is the largest pyroclastic or lava-producing eruption in post-glacial times. The ash displaced over 70 kilometers northeast of the volcano and transformed into a lahar. Although Mount Baker is not a volcano, it has had several periods of magmatic activity over the years. One big eruption occurred 6,000 years ago, dispersing volcanic ash 70 kilometers to the northeast. Other, smaller eruptions have occurred. The earliest recorded eruption was a small explosion that took place in 1943, while several steam explosions took place in the mid-1800s.
A trip to Mount Baker is a great way to enjoy the beauty of Washington State. You can drive the mountain for 60 miles east of Bellingham on State Route 542 (formerly known as “Mountain Highway”) and experience the beauty of the area. The Mount Baker Highway, also known as State Route 542, traces the Nooksack River on its way to 5,140 feet above sea level. As you drive, you will encounter several gorgeous lakes and scenic vistas.