The 10 Best Mt. Baker Hikes

The Mount Baker National Forest is one of the most beautiful areas in northern Washington, featuring the 10,781-foot tall volcano, Mount Baker. Mount Baker sits in a remote location between the US and Canada border and is known for its beautiful snow-capped summit.

When we visited this area, I instantly fell in love. The views on each of the trails we hiked were unmatched, and I was in awe the entire time.

Although it is a fantastic location for winter sports, it is a great place to hike! The hikes near Mount Baker offer fun trails and stunning views of the North Cascades. This guide has everything you need to know about the best Mount Baker hikes that need to be on your bucket list!

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Tips for Hiking Near Mt. Baker

Start your day early. Although the Mount Baker National Forest is one of the least visited areas in Washington, the parking lots can fill up by 8 or 9 am. I recommend arriving at the trailhead early to secure a parking spot and enjoy the trail without most of the crowds.
Purchase a recreation pass or permit ahead of time. Most of the Mount Baker hikes require a recreation pass to park at the trailheads, which you can read more about on the Forest Service website. I recommend getting one in advance, so you can have it ready to go for your hikes. If you plan on backpacking, you likely need a Wilderness Permit, which you can obtain at trailheads and ranger stations.
Be prepared with the appropriate hiking gear. The weather near Mount Baker is unpredictable, so it’s crucial to pack the appropriate hiking gear and layers to stay prepared. The hikes near Mount Baker have steep and rocky terrain, so having proper footwear is necessary.
Research trail conditions. Snow can linger into July and August on some trails, so it's crucial to research trail conditions to understand what gear you need or if you should choose a different trail.
Always remember to leave no trace. It’s crucial to pack out what you pack in and leave no trash. Many of these trailheads have trash bins, so you can easily throw your trash away when you finish the hike. If they don’t have trash bins, you can throw your trash away at a nearby gas station or convenience store.

When to Hike Near Mt. Baker

Mount Baker receives over 500 inches of snow each year, and the surrounding area and mountains are not far behind. Many roads and trailheads close in the winter because of heavy snowfall. The snow also can last through July and August in the higher elevations. We visited in August, and the trails still had some snow on them.

If you want a snow-free hike near Mount Baker, late July to early September will be the best opportunity to avoid snow. If you want to snowshoe, you will need to find which trailheads and roads are open or accessible by snowshoe.

The Forest Service updates trail and road conditions on their site, so you know what to expect before you go for a hike near Mount Baker.

Here are some things to expect during each season:

Winter is a beautiful time to snowshoe near Mount Baker if you have the proper gear. Although the temperature will be cold, you will have many trails near Mount Baker to yourself. Some trailheads and roads may be closed due to heavy snowfall because they are unmaintained in the winter.
Spring has similar conditions to the winter, so many trails, especially in the higher elevations, will have snow. Some roads and trailheads stay closed through spring, depending on the snowfall. In the late spring, you may have the chance to get a glimpse of beautiful wildflowers blooming.
Summer is one of the best times to hike near Mount Baker because the snow is gone on most trails, there are wildflowers everywhere, and the weather is beautiful. Some snow may remain in the higher elevations, though. Also, most roads and trails are open, giving you the most hiking options in the summer. Summer is when the Mount Baker hikes see the most crowds, so I recommend beginning your hikes early.
Fall is another one of the best times to hike near Mount Baker because vibrant colors take over the valleys and meadows. The weather is also beautiful in the early fall before the snow moves in. Late fall brings snow, creating winter conditions on some trails.

What to Pack for Mt. Baker Hikes

Hiking Boots: If you want comfort and support on your trip, hiking boots are the go to.
Hiking Socks: Having moisture-wicking and comfortable hiking socks are just as important for exploring.
Hiking Backpack: You need something to carry all your food, clothes, and anything else you need while adventuring, so having a supportive hiking backpack is crucial.
Hydration Reservoir/Water Bottles: While hiking or just exploring, it is important to have enough water! I always pack a hydration reservoir.
Jackets: The weather is unpredictable, so I always pack a rain jacket and insulated jacket.
Ten Essentials: The Ten Essentials are crucial for hiking!
Microspikes: If you plan on winter hiking, you will need to bring microspikes.
Snowshoes: Also if you hike in the winter, you may need snowshoes.

Map of the Mt. Baker Hikes

The Best Mt. Baker Hikes

Chain Lakes

Trail: Chain Lakes Trail

Length: 6.5 miles

Elevation Gain: 1,800 feet

Note: The last few miles of the road leading to the Chain Lakes Loop trailhead at Artist Point are closed in the winter.

Chain Lakes is one of the most beautiful Mount Baker hikes, offering views of Mount Shuksan, Mount Baker, and alpine lakes. The loop is usually hiked counter-clockwise from Artist Point, so the steep section is hiked first. From Artist Point, the Chain Lakes Loop brings you past Bagley Lakes, Herman Saddle, Iceberg Lake, Mazama Lakes, wildflower meadows, and blueberry bushes.

Herman Saddle provides some of the best views along the hike, in my opinion, because it is the highest point on the trail, but the entire trail is incredibly scenic and will leave you in awe! There are only a few steep sections along the Chain Lakes Loop, but they seem to pass quickly and easily because the views are distracting.

If you are looking for one of the best multi-day hikes near Mount Baker, the Chain Lakes Loop is perfect. There are about eight first-come, first-serve campsites along the trail. If you decide to make an overnight trip on the Chain Lakes Loop, I recommend arriving at your campsite before dinner to watch the sunset over Mount Baker!

Hidden Lake Lookout

Trail: Hidden Lake Trail

Length: 8 miles

Elevation Gain: 3,300 feet

Hidden Lake Lookout is one of the most strenuous hikes near Mount Baker on this list but rewards you with stunning views of the Hidden Lake, Boston Peak, Sahale Mountain, and the surrounding mountains in the North Cascades. The trail climbs steadily through a dense forest, over switchbacks, and up what seems to be a never-ending steep ascent.

When you first see the lookout, it almost seems impossible to hike there, but I promise, it is possible! The trail passes through snowfields and wildflower meadows while providing beautiful views of the North Cascades.

The lookout has a cabin built in 1931 that is available on a first-come, first-serve basis for overnight use if you want to make this hike into a multi-day adventure. If you are looking for an incredibly rewarding hike that will make you work for the views, Hidden Lake Lookout is for you!

Table Mountain

Trail: Table Mountain Trail

Length: 2.6 miles

Elevation Gain: 725 feet

Note: The last few miles of the road leading to the Table Mountain trailhead at Artist Point are closed in the winter.

If you are looking for a short, beautiful hike near Mount Baker, Table Mountain is perfect! It begins at Artist Point and has stunning views along the entire trail of Mount Baker and Mount Shuksan. The only steep sections on the hike are along switchbacks, which may not be okay for young kids or people afraid of heights.

Once the trail reaches the top, it climbs gradually to Table Mountain, across from Mount Baker. Table Mountain is one of my favorite Mount Baker hikes because it is short and stunning! It was also one of our favorite sunset hikes in the area!

Park Butte Lookout

Trail: Park Butte Trail

Length: 7.5 miles

Elevation Gain: 2,200 feet

The Park Butte Lookout is one of the best Mount Baker hikes, featuring an iconic mountain cabin in Washington. It offers stunning views of Mount Baker, the Twin Sisters, and the surrounding mountains in the North Cascades.

The trail to the Park Butte Lookout climbs steadily without providing many flat sections, so be prepared for your legs to be burning! In the summer, the views of wildflower meadows will help distract you from the constant elevation gain.

Once you reach the lookout, you get stunning views of the North Cascades. The cabin at the top was built in 1932 and can be used for overnight use on a first-come, first-serve basis if you are looking for a multi-day adventure. Park Butte Lookout will quickly become one of your favorite hikes near Mount Baker!

Artist Ridge

Trail: Artist Ridge Trail

Length: 1.2 miles

Elevation Gain: 200 feet

Note: The last few miles of the road leading to the Artist Ridge trailhead at Artist Point are closed in the winter.

Artist Ridge is one of the easiest Mount Baker hikes and will quickly become one of your favorites! The beautiful, easy trail begins at Artist Point and follows along an easy-to-follow path, providing stunning views of Mount Baker and Mount Shuksan.

The entire trail offers incredible views and has a few lookout areas. Artist Ridge is a perfect spot for sunrise or sunset that is much easier to get to than other trails! We watched the sunrise here, and I was in awe of the views. It was worth the early wake-up call!

Yellow Aster Butte

Trail: Tomyhoi Lake Trail > Yellow Aster Butte Trail

Length: 7.5 miles

Elevation Gain: 2,500 feet

Yellow Aster Butte is one of the most beautiful hikes near Mount Baker, offering views into Canada on a clear day.

The first section along the Tomyhoi Lake Trail is steep, gaining 1,500 feet in about 1.5 miles, and travels through over an avalanche path. Before you know it, the trail turns onto the Yellow Aster Butte Trail and brings you through beautiful wildflower meadows in the spring and summer and vibrant yellows, reds, and oranges in the fall!

The views of Mount Larrabee, Mount Baker, and the Border Peaks are incredible and will quickly make Yellow Aster Butte one of your favorite hikes near Mount Baker!

Skyline Divide

Trail: Skyline Divide Trail

Length: 9 miles

Elevation Gain: 2,500 feet

If you want to feel on top of the world, the Skyline Divide is for you! The Skyline Divide Trail is one of the best hikes near Mount Baker because of its stunning views. The trail is moderately steep and worth every ounce of effort for the views that await you on the ridge.

The Skyline Divide Trail passes through wildflower meadows, forests with beautiful hemlocks, and huckleberry bushes. Once the trail reaches the first knoll along the ridgeline, the views become expansive, overlooking the High Divide, Mount Baker, and Mount Shuksan.

The ridgeline portion of the trail is my favorite because the views seem never-ending! The hike passes over six knolls bringing you within miles of Mount Baker, where the views will take your breath away. The Skyline Divide Trail will quickly become one of your favorite Mount Baker hikes!

Heliotrope Ridge

Trail: Heliotrope Ridge Trail

Length: 5.5 miles

Elevation Gain: 1,400 feet

Heliotrope Ridge is a great hike near Mount Baker that gives you an up-close and personal experience with Mount Baker. The Heliotrope Ridge Trail is shorter with gradual elevation, making it easier than others on this list.

The trail travels through a beautiful forest and over many creek crossings while providing a few glimpses of Mount Baker before leading you to a stunning view of Coleman Glacier and Mount Baker. The creeks can be very difficult to cross during certain times of the year, so it is crucial to assess your abilities before trying to cross them, especially Heliotrope Creek, which is the most dangerous.

If you can cross the creeks and reach Heliotrope Ridge, you will get up-close views of Mount Baker and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Heliotrope Ridge is a fun and beautiful hike near Mount Baker!

Ptarmigan Ridge

Trail: Chain Lakes Loop > Ptarmigan Ridge Trail

Length: 9 miles

Elevation Gain: 1,800 feet

Note: The last few miles of the road leading to the Chain Lakes Loop trailhead at Artist Point are closed in the winter.

The Ptarmigan Ridge will bring you up close to Mount Baker and make you feel like you could almost reach out and touch it!

The trail begins on the Chain Lakes Loop before turning onto the Ptarmigan Ridge Trail. The Ptarmigan Ridge Trail gains elevation gently, providing stunning views of Mount Baker and Coleman Pinnacle along the way.

Although this is a longer trail, the beautiful views easily distract you and keep you in awe as you hike. There are a few areas to camp along the Ptarmigan Ridge Trail as well if you would like to make this into a multi-day hike and watch the sunset and sunrise in one of the most beautiful locations!

No matter how long you choose to hike this trail, you’ll quickly realize why it’s considered one of the most beautiful Mount Baker hikes!

Lake Ann

Trail: Lake Ann Trail

Length: 8.2 miles

Elevation Gain: 1,900 feet

Note: The last few miles of the road leading to the Lake Ann trailhead at Artist Point are closed in the winter.

Lake Ann is a beautiful hike near Mount Baker that starts at Artist Point and offers stunning views of Mount Baker, Mount Shuksan, Curtis Glacier, and Lake Ann.

The trail travels through wildflower meadows, boulder fields, and sub-alpine forests before reaching the Saddle. Once you get to the Saddle, you get stunning views overlooking Lake Ann and Mount Shuksan.

The trail continues to the shorts of Lake Ann, where there are camping spots if you are looking to make this a multi-day hike. You can also continue to Curtis Glacier if you are looking for a longer hike.

If you are looking for some of the best Mount Baker hikes, you came to the right place! This guide has everything you need to know about the best hikes near Mount Baker that should be on your bucket list.