Artist Point
September 04, 2008 - 12:50 PM
by Vince Richardson
by Vince Richardson
A pond of melted snow borders the trail.
Prepared to be awed, particularly if the skies are clear and the sun is shining. After all, it’s named Artist Point for a reason. Such views are usually reserved for those wearing crampons, boasting heavy packs and carrying ice axes. No matter how many times you visit this area, it never fails to amaze.
The first 600 feet of the trail is paved and wheelchair accessible.
Despite the fact it is September, plenty of snow remains along the route. In fact, along the sides of the paved portion the snow is about five feet deep.
A Northwest Forest Pass is required. Day passes can be purchased from a machine. The dispenser is on the left as the parking lot is entered.
Distance: 1 mile
Destination: Out and back
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation gain: 200 feet
Getting there: From Glacier, head east on Mount Baker Highway (State Route 542) for 24 miles to the Artist Point parking lot.
The Trek: After parking in what could be a packed lot if it’s a sunny weekend, prepare to head out. Find the trailhead at the south corner of the parking lot.
Start by getting your bearings at a sign at the trailhead. Take the trail to an impressive overlook, the highlight of which is an unobstructed view of Mount Baker. It seems close enough to touch.
There are another pair of signs at the overlook. Take the time to soak up the information.
After reading the signs, proceed left. The trail almost immediately turns from pavement to gravel.
The views are spectacular, whether they are mountain peaks or the deep valleys from which they rise. The blending of harsh whites and vibrant greens is spectacular.
The trail soon passes the remains of a sign. The footings are there, but the sign is missing, either a victim of vandalism or Mother Nature. There is, however, a great view of Mount Baker to be had from this spot.
The mountain is framed by a pair of small trees. The climate at this elevation is harsh, so not much grows, yet alone anything big.
Make your way through a melting snowfield. The sounds of running water fill the crisp air.
Hike up the first of several staircases of rock, passing another spot where there had once been a sign. Continuing to climb, Mount Shuksan soon dominates the skyline. Its craggy flanks are cloaked by a cape of snow and ice.
Pass another snowfield on the left, this time hopping over a stream of snowmelt before encountering a now snow-covered trail.
Descend slightly as you make your way along the ridge, encountering patches of snow along the way. The decline is short lived as the trail once again begins to rise.
With every step, the views improve. A glance to the right brings Mount Baker into view.
Venture up another staircase of rock before reaching a clearing dotted with massive boulders. Low spots in the area are filled with water.
The path twists and turns as it makes it way around several large rocks. Pass a wooden bench strategically placed to provide great views of Mount Baker.
Encounter another steep staircase of rock. Once atop, continue along a narrow ridge. On both sides of the trail is a carpet of plants. Watch where you step.
These plants grow at a slow rate because of the harsh climate. A single step off trail could set the plant life back several years.
Hiking over a small knoll, the valley explodes below you. After making your way up another staircase, reach an intersection. Stay straight and climb a hill, passing a small pond and a rocky meadow. Cross a footbridge of stones and reach a major intersection. Spur trails crisscross the area. Each leads to a slightly different vantage point.
Pick one and ramble, or simply continue straight on the main trail.
Reach a switchback that leads to yet another viewpoint. From here, Shuksan, with bluish glaciers clinging to all sides, fills any viewfinder. Meadows and ponds dot the landscape around you.
After pushing the shutter until the point of finger fatigue, locate the main trail and take it back to the rig.
