Aug 31 - Mt Baker Scenic Byway, Washington

  We got an early start and drove about 40 minutes out Hwy 542 to the Glacier Public Service Center, also known as the Visitor Center, at the beginning of the Mt Baker Scenic Byway and State Park.  It was another 20 miles of beautiful scenic curves and climbs, to the end of the road, at the peak, called Artists Point.  There were many trail heads, some long and into the back country into the mountains, and some shorter.  The views around each curve was spectacular!  There were breathtaking views of Mt Baker and Mt Shuksan, both with glaciers on them, from along the way, and at Artist Point. 
  We stopped at Nooksak Falls--a short ride on a dirt road, back to the falls.  This was the site of an old hydroelectic power location, but is now just the beautiful falls, in the woods.
  Our next stop was at Picture Lake.  This is a small lake, more like a pond, with a easy half  mile trail all around it, and amazing views of Mt Baker. 
  The last stop was at Artist Point.  This has 360 degree views of the North Cascade Mountain range.  Mt Baker was hidden in the clouds, but Mt Shuksan was near and clear.  We hiked the 2 mile loop along Artist Ridge Trail, enjoying the breathtaking views.  Peter made it most of the way up to the final peak, and I not only made it to the top, which has a small loop trail, but I scaled up to the peak, with many of the other "crazies".  Breath taking, invigorating, delightful.  This is what I imagined Washington State mountains to be like.  This Scenic Byway is every bit a incredible as the Going-to-the-Sun road in Glacier National Park. And, I'm told it is only one of several Scenic Byways through the mountains in the State. Wonderful day!

Mt Baker Scenic Byway photos:

Nooksack falls photos:

Picture Lake photos:

Artist Point photos: