Artist Point

getting there

From I-5, Take Exit 255 for SR-542, the Mount Baker Highway. Drive east on SR-542 approximately 54 miles to the Mount Baker Ski Area and continue to the uppermost parking lot (4,250 ft). Park here in winter, but in summer, continue up the road to Artist Point (5,100 ft).

During winter and early spring, all cars must carry chains and a snow shovel!

snowshoeing & skiing

When visibility is good, the views from Artist Point are hard to beat. The track follows alongside the ski area, leads up to Austin Pass, and rises further up to Artist Point. Avalanche risk can be mitigated with good terrain choice, but this is not a trip suitable for high avalanche danger days.

trail running & day hiking

Artist & Huntoon Points

Follow a gravel trail along the road, up to Huntoon Point then Artist Point for 360° views of the surrounding mountains.

table Mountain

3 miles round trip with 560 feet of elevation gain, 5,700 ft high point

Hike the Chain Lakes Trail and in 0.25 mile, turn right on  the Table Mountain Trail. Continue to the west end of Table Mountain (5,700 ft). The trail rises steeply and then gently to the flat top of Table Mountain. The entire route is above treeline and affords wonderful views of Mount Baker, Mount Shuksan and much of the North Cascades.  Even in late summer there will likely be some snow on top. Part of the first ½ mile of trail was blasted out of a cliff side and may have too much exposure for some people. Combine Table Mountain with Huntoon Point for ~5 miles round trip and 1,000 feet of elevation gain.

Notes

• The trailhead is located near the our Baker Lodge, for those seeking a full weekend in the snow or planning an early start on the trail.
• Because of it's distance from city lights, this a good location for night sky photography of the Milky Way, meteor showers, and other celestial events.
• Visit our Ptarmigan Ridge route/place for another destination that starts at Artist Point. It's a longer and more challenging hike.

Information for Leaders

Scheduling

• This route allows multiple bookings. Please check scheduled trips listed below in the "Activities" tab to see if there is another group already booked on the same day. Leaders are expected to contact the leader(s) of existing trips to ensure there are no concerns or conflicts, according to The Mountaineers Outdoor Ethics Policy. Please review our Group Size & Multiple Bookings page for guidance.

• Suitable Activities: Backcountry Skiing, Day Hiking, Snowshoeing, Trail Running
• Snowshoeing Category: Intermediate
• Seasons: Year-round
• Weather: View weather forecast
• View avalanche forecast.

• Difficulty: Moderate, M1 Intremediate Ski
• Length: 5.0 mi
• Elevation Gain: 1,100 ft
• High Point: 5,080 ft

• Land Manager: Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
  Mount Baker Wilderness, Mount Baker Ranger District (MBSNF)
• Parking Permit Required: None
• Recommended Party Size: 12
• Maximum Party Size: 12
• Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12