Washington Trails AssociationTrails for everyone, forever
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Map & Directions
Highest Point
The dominant feature in the North Cascades is Mount Baker, a glaciated volcano that can be seen on clear days from as far as Seattle and makes a great backdrop for photos of Vancouver, BC. Many hiking trails follow the ridges around Mount Baker and offer stunning views of the summit. Climbing to the summit is done mainly via the Coleman and Easton glaciers and requires technical expertise with high-altitude snow and ice.
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Trailhead
Access to Mount Baker via Heliotrope Ridge is restricted due to a road washout on FR 39. Closure is anticipated to last until at least January 2023.
WTA Pro Tip: Save a copy of our directions before you leave! App-based driving directions aren't always accurate and data connections may be unreliable as you drive to the trailhead.
To start from Heliotrope Trailhead: From Bellingham drive 34 miles east on the Mount Baker Highway to the Glacier Public Service Center. Continue past the center east for about another mile, then make a right onto Forest Road 39 (Glacier Creek Road). After eight miles of mostly paved road, turn left at a junction and continue less than half a mile to the trailhead.
To start from Ptarmigan Trailhead: From I-5 exit 255, go east 34 miles on SR 542 to the town of Glacier. Continue another 24 miles to the end of SR 542 at Artist Point, elevation 5075 feet.
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