Mt. Baker Scenic Byway
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The scenic Mt. Baker Highway winds along the
North Fork of the Nooksack River, ending at Artist Point at 5,100 feet
(1545 m), in Heather Meadows . The last 24 miles (39 km) is
designated as a National Forest Scenic Byway. At the road's end, trail
systems lead into the Mt. Baker Wilderness. During winter months motor
traffic ends at the Mt. Baker Ski Area 4 miles (6 km) below Artist
Point.
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Points of Interest
Glacier Public Service Center, located at MP 34, is listed on
the National Register of Historic Places. The service center is jointly
operated by the Forest Service and National Park Service during the
summer season.
Mt. Baker Vista, Forest Road 39: is a dramatic viewpoint at
the end of Glacier Creek Road.
Horseshoe Bend Trail, MP 36: This one-and-a-half mile (2.4
km), hiker-only trail wanders along a forested ledge above the North
Fork of the Nooksack River.
Boyd Creek Interpretive Trail, Forest Road 37: The short,
self-guided nature trail focuses on healthy fish habitat, along a
salmonberry riparian area.
Nooksack Falls, MP 40: A dramatic waterfall plummets more than
100 feet over rocky outcrops. A fence-lined pathway leads to a
viewpoint.
National Forest Camping
Developed campgrounds located along the Mt. Baker Scenic Byway offer
a rustic experience in natural settings along the North Fork Nooksack
River: Douglas Fir, Silver Fir and Excelsior Group Camps. Some sites may
be reserved in advance by contacting: www.reserveusa.com or
calling (877) 444-6777.
Mt. Sefrit/Kurt Parker USFS
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Popular Trails -- Mt. Baker Scenic Byway
| Trail # | Name |
Trailhead | Distance one way
Miles (km) |
Remarks |
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| Glacier Area Trails |
| 625 | Damfino Lakes | Road 31 | 3.0 (4.8 km) | No fires |
| 630 | High Divide | Highway 542 | 13.0 (20.9 km) | Wilderness, no fires, stock 8/1-11/1 |
| 671 | Church Mountain | Road 3040 | 4.2 (6.8 km) | Steep hike up forested slopes |
| 677 | Heliotrope Ridge | Road 39 | 3.0 (4.8 km) | Wilderness, no fires |
| 678 | Skyline Divide | Road 37 | 3.5 (5.6 km) | Wilderness, no fires, stock 8/1-11/1 |
| 687 | Horseshoe Bend | Highway 542 | 1.5 (2.4 km) | Follows Nooksack River |
| 673 | Goat Mountain | Road 32 | 4.0 (6.4 km) | Wilderness, stock 8/1-11/1 |
| 674 | Hannegan Pass | Road 32 | 5.0 (8.0 km) | Wilderness, no fires, enters National Park, stock 7/1-11/1 |
| 685 | Winchester Mountain | Road 3065 | 2.0 (3.2 km) | Wilderness, no fires |
| 699 | Yellow Aster | Road 3065 | 3.5 (5.6 km) | Wilderness, no fires |
| Heather Meadows Area Trails |
| 600 | Lake Ann | Highway 542 | 4.7 (7.6 km) | Wilderness, no fires |
| 615 | Ptarmigan Ridge | Trail 682 | 5.0 (8.0 km) | Wilderness; no fires |
| 681 | Table Mountain | Highway 542 | 1.5 (2.4 km) | Wilderness, no fires, no dogs |
| 682 | Chain Lakes | Highway 542 | 6.5 (10 km) | Wilderness, no fires, camp in designated sites only |
| 735 | Picture Lake | Highway 542 | 0.5 (0.8 km) | Accessible, interpretive |
| 684.2 | Fire and Ice | Highway 542 | 0.5 (0.8 km) | Accessible, interpretive |
| 684.3 | Wild Goose | Highway 542 | 2.5 (4.0 km) |
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| 669 | Artist Ridge | Highway 542 | 1.0 (1.6 km) | Accessible, interpretive |
A Northwest Forest Pass
is required at posted recreation sites and trailheads.
Always check trail and road conditions at the Forest Service website or by
calling a ranger station. |
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Experience Wilderness
The Mt. Baker Ranger District contains three Wilderness areas: Mt.
Baker, Noisy-Diobsud and a part of Glacier Peak.
Keeping wilderness intact requires some regulation. Party size is
limited to 12, including saddle and stock animals. To preserve solitude,
no motorized or mechanized equipment is allowed. Campfires are
prohibited in many areas.
When entering wilderness areas, be prepared for risk and challenge.
The terrain can be rugged and the weather unpredictable. During winter
months, check avalanche forecasts at: (206) 526-6677 or www.nwac.noaa.gov
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Heather Meadows Area
Located along the upper reaches of the byway, this spectacular
subalpine setting offers summer day use recreation along a network of
scenic trails. Visitors can spread out a picnic lunch at Austin Pass
Picnic Area and enjoy several self-guided interpretive trails.
Longer hikes lead into the surrounding Mt. Baker Wilderness. Check in
with staff at the Heather Meadows Visitor Center for current conditions
and area histories. Open daily in summer from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
A Northwest Forest Pass is required for visiting this area.
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http://www.nps.gov/noca/challenger/ch7.htm