Mount Baker
The West - Washington
Nooksack Falls
Description: Nooksack Falls is reached by a short turnoff from Mount Baker Highway. From the parking lot you walk a short trail to the 85ft high falls. In 1979, the falls provided the backdrop for the movie The Deer Hunter..
Our rating: The falls are very picturesque because they are located in a canyon through which the Nooksack River winds. The little detour was a nice prelude to our visit to Mount Baker.
Picture Lake
Description: Picture Lake is a mountain lake on the Mount Baker Highway. There is a trail around the lake. From here you have a great view of Mount Shuksan. When the weather is calm, there are beautiful photo opportunities. Not without reason this is one of the most photographed motives in Washington.
Our rating: We were also lucky enough to enjoy this breathtaking panorama in great weather. It was not quite windless, but even so, the most amazing views resulted. Who drives the road to Mount Baker, should not miss this stop.
Artist Ridge
Description: Artist Ridge designates the end of the Mount Baker Highway. From here, numerous hiking and climbing trails continue up into the surrounding mountains. The lookout is also located at the feet of Mount Baker and offers beautiful views of the northernmost Cascade volcanoe. Mount Baker is also still considered active. Even though the last major eruption was 130 years ago, there are still shifts in the mountain. In the early 70s of the last century a huge steam cloud rose.
Our rating: Since extremely little snow had fallen in the winter of 2014/2015, we were lucky and were able to drive the road up to Artist Ridge as early as mid-June. That is not possible every year. We really liked the drive up here. The views of the mountains, the great weather and the panorama at the very top of Artist Ridge was just wonderful. Unfortunately, we didn't have time to hike, but we made plans to come back one day and spend more time at this beautiful place.
