In April of 2021, when a weather window opened up during spring break, I drove up to the Mount Baker ski area with hopes of a blue bird day. I have been there more than a few times but the views always looked like this:
But I had hope as I hit the road. I stopped at the North Fork Brewery for a salad and with my plans to camp in the parking lot for a sunrise snowshoe I continued up SR 542. I had looked up how it worked, there is information here on how to camp (in your car or van) at the ski area. Because it was the end of the season but there was still snow, I think it cost me about $5 (it costs more during snow season). I registered online but when I arrived the lot attendant gave me a pass and told me where to park.
The drive up had revealed a stunning view of Kulshan and my skin practically tingled with excitement that I was going to be able to see the mountain on my snowshoe trip!
I settled in with blankets and a winter sleeping bag, working on a little knitting before drifting off to sleep.
Early in the morning, I hit the slopes as the sun was coming up. There was plenty of compact snow to follow as I climbed past the Lake Ann trailhead towards the “You are Entering Backcountry” sign. I didn’t take a picture on the way up but I did on the way down.
From here, I continued to follow tracks and the direction on my GPS, noticing where others had taken the ridge on what would loosely be the Wild Goose Trail. I can go either way, straight up or zig zag, but I ended up doing a kind of hybrid version.
The views on the ridge did not disappoint, I can see why this is one of the most popular snowshoes in Washington State.
I didn’t have pristine snow but that’s okay when you have not a cloud in the sky. Considering all the times I have been here with fresh powder and no views, I was not one to complain!
It wasn’t long before I had found myself on top of Huntoon Point with a panoramic view of Kulshan and stopped for some selfies and a snack.
It was so beautiful I didn’t want to leave but I knew that the solitude was not going to last so I slowly made my way back down from the ridge. I did end up dropping down before the spot where I had cut up on what would be the famous tight switchback in the road to Artist Point, allowing me a nice stroll through the valley below the ridge that would more closely follow the road back to the Lake Ann trailhead.
Back at the car by 9:30am, it was time for some coffee and happiness that I had finally had some views for this trek!
Have you been to Artist Point? Did you have blue skies?
You can read more about all the other times I have been to Artist Point here and despite having lots of fun, I had no views!
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