One of my all time favorite hikes I’ve ever done, snowshoeing to Artist Point near Mount Baker and Mount Shuksan is an adventure of a lifetime.
Truly a winter wonderland! We got amazing conditions with fresh snow from a stormy previous few days clearing just as we reached the ridge/summit of Artist Point.
With over a foot of fresh snow and all the peaks above the clouds, I’ve never seen anything quite like it.
Winter wonderland indeed. One of the most beautiful winter landscapes I’ve ever experienced! Endless snow right out of the Chronicles of Narnia.
Key Information
- Location: Mount Baker Ski Area, Washington – 2.75 to 3 hour drive north of Seattle (closer to Bellingham)
- Best Season: December to March
- Distance: 4-5 miles return – plan for at least 3 hours of adventuring. You’ll want to take a lot of photos as well as snack breaks, and breaks to catch your breath.
- Elevation Gain: Approximately 1,000 feet
- Essential Gear: snowshoes, trekking poles, down jacket, waterproof/softshell pants, softshell windbreaker jacket, sun protection (sunscreen and sunglasses), Winter gloves and wool hat, waterproof boots – mid rise or higher, gaiters – useful for fresh powdery snow and wet conditions
Trip Report
The trail follows the ski area in the beginning, with the trail just to the right of the ski area fence. On your right is a magical winter landscape.
I enjoyed the pristine texture and curves of the freshly fallen snow. The mountains and evergreens seem endless. Also, the evergreens are really tall and hard to tell their height in pictures, but many are over 100-feet.
I’ve never seen Mt. Baker this close before snowshoeing to Artist Point. Always a snowy distant peak while driving on I-5 or Puget Sound highways.
One of the most prominent peaks in WA, it is certainly hard to miss with wispy clouds and vivid blue sky, framed by towering evergreens. The landscape reminded me of CS Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia. Unfortunately, did not see Aslan the Lion. Okay, you can tell by now that I really like Narnia and a lot of Narnia looks like the stories.
The smooth, untouched snow of Artist Point and the towering snow-covered evergreens add to the magic of this adventure.
There are multiple defined paths, made primarily by backcountry skiers and snowboarders. The skiers and snowboarders have the right of way for the tracks and snowshoers are expected to carefully step to the side.
This path found its way to a cluster of Arctic-looking landscape of thousands of frozen and snowy trees.
If you are a fan of snow, by this point, this hike will have you jumping for joy. Truly the most amount of snow I’ve ever adventured in.
Snowshoeing friend providing a sense of scale amongst towering snowy evergreens of the North Cascades.
The view to the south from the ridge of Artist Point is just spectacular. The snow-covered pines make from a nice composition with the deeply carved lake far below in the valley.
Winter Safety
Check the Northwest Avalanche Center NWAC Forecast for the day – parts of the Artist Route point go through avalanche territory and this hike should be done in “low” or “moderate” risk conditions.
Always carry the 10 Essentials and know how to use them. A physical printed map and compass, emergency shelter, etc. are key for a safe adventure.
Be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions of the North Cascades and the alpine of Washington.
The short mileage and elevation gain is significantly more strenuous with snowshoes and in very changeable weather conditions! The 4-5 miles will be much more intense than summer day hike conditions.
If you make it to Artist Point, let me know! I’d love to hear about your adventures and hope you enjoyed exploring my part of the world in the North Cascades, Washington.
