Mount Baker Highway is 35 miles east of Bellingham in northwest Washington. It begins in Glacier and travels east to the road’s end at Artist Point. The byway is 24 miles long and follows WA 542, a two-lane paved road suitable for all vehicles. Portions of the byway are subject to closure by snow from November to mid-July.
Travelers of Mount Baker Highway are treated to beautiful mountain scenery as you cross Mount Baker National Forest. You’ll climb through the narrow valley of Nooksack River to the rugged timberline of the North Cascades. Artist Point is the destination. From there you’re treated to spectacular views of Mount Baker and the wilderness that encompasses the mountain peak. North Fork of the Nooksack River flows alongside the byway for much of your journey. Be sure to take in one of the prettiest gifts the river has to offer, thundering Nooksack Falls.
Mount Baker Wilderness envelops the mountain peak for which it is named and nearly 118,000 acres of mountain streams and lakes. It is a haven for hikers, backpackers, horseback riders, and photographers. There are a lot of trails accessed from the byway that will guide you through this pristine land. There’s also several trails that provide the hiking novice a pleasurable and easy-going walk. In winter, cross-country ski enthusiasts will find miles of groomed trails.
Two national forest campgrounds are on the byway: Douglas Fir and Silver Fir. Douglas Fir Campground is east of Glacier and has 30 campsites situated under Douglas fir and cedar trees on the banks of Nooksack River. Farther east is Silver Fir Campground, which has 21 RV and tent campsites. A picnic area built by the Civilian Conservation Corps is also in the campground. Drinking water and comfort stations are available in both campgrounds. There are no hookups.