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Did you know legions of skiers and snowboarders to drive the scenic Mount Baker Highway in search of Baker’s world-class powder? Here are:
The Best Snowshoe Routes on the Mount Baker Highway
Are you thinking of Exploring the North Cascades and Mount Baker area — mostly along summer hiking trails? Try snowshoeing. Winter brings its beauty to the wilderness. For hikers like yourself, snowshoeing is a low-barrier way to get outside during the snowy months. Rentals are relatively inexpensive, and you can buy a pair of snowshoes for far less than you‘d spend on ski equipment. Once you’re out on the trail, there’s not much of a learning curve, either. Snowshoeing is simply walking through the snow in oversized shoes.
Mount Baker Highway offers endless snowshoe routes for beginners and experienced snowshoers alike. Here are four recommended courses to get you started.
Break into snowshoeing with a guided snowshoe walk or an easygoing, low-elevation ramble.
The easiest way to break into any sport? Go with a guide. A guide will experience snowshoe walks and know the best trail to take.
Salmon Ridge is an excellent option if you don’t want to drive to the Mount Baker Ski Area to snowshoe. Located at mile 46 of the Mount Baker Highway, Salmon Ridge SnoPark is maintained by a groomed cross-country ski area. Snowshoers can access several designated trails or make their own.
Remember, no dogs or snowshoes are allowed on groomed ski tracks!
Parking is located just east of the DOT equipment sheds, by milepost 46 on the Mount Baker Highway. In addition, there is a sizeable parking area (Shuksan Picnic Area) where Hannegan Road meets the highway.
Snowshoe along the Nooksack River to Ruth Creek or snowshoe up Hannegan Road for several miles, but do not go beyond Goat Mt trailhead where there is severe avalanche danger. The area above the tree line is prone to avalanches. A Federal Recreation Pass will be required for each vehicle.
There are two access points for this snowshoe. First, at the Ridge Road via the White Salmon parking lot described above, you’ll find ample parking and have access to the lodge facilities. However, the trail can be tricky to see from here, and you need to be prepared for a steep descent in the beginning. Alternatively, you can park at a hairpin turn in Mount Baker Highway at White Salmon Road. See the Washington Trails Association page for driving directions.
Artist Point is a 4-mile roundtrip snowshoe with about 1000 feet of elevation gain. It is a popular destination, so there is almost always a visible track to follow. Artist Point should be doable for most beginning snowshoers, but there are a couple of steeper (though not exposed) sections that can be challenging depending on the snow conditions. If you venture out with fog or snow in the forecast, be cautious that route finding skills are critical in this open terrain.
And there you have it, The Best Snowshoeing Trails on Mt. Baker!
Check the Mount Baker Ski Area Snow Report for current snowpack conditions.
For more information on Bellingham, check out our Local Guide, and be sure to enjoy your day before you head back north to your cozy getaway at the Oostema Farmstead. We will keep the light on for you.
Tour de Whatcom The Tour de Whatcom charity bike ride offers an
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