Road to Artist Point Closed for the Winter Season

With fresh snow falling in the Mount Baker area due to the strong weekend storm, the last 2.7 miles of SR 542 to Artist Point are closed for the season.

Washington State Department of Transportation closes the highway with the first significant snowfall because of the extreme conditions it experiences each winter. The road is narrow with steep grades and sharp corners, reaching an altitude of more than 5,000 feet. The road is typically closed from October through June, depending on snow levels.

Keep an eye on the WSDOT road conditions when summer arrives to see when the road will reopen.

Exploring in the shoulder season

Though the road is now closed, you can still explore the nearby trails and Artist Point if you're willing to walk the road until more snow falls. Come prepared and stay safe, as conditions can change rapidly in the winter, bringing snow and very cold temperatures.

Get ready for the snow

If you're anxious to strap on a pair of snowshoes, you'll need to wait until we get a bit more of that white stuff. Artist Point is just one of many fantastic winter destinations in the state, offering incredible views of snowy mountains like Mount Baker, Shuksan, and more.

Snowshoeing with Mount Shuksan in the distance. Photo by Martin Bravenboer.