Mount Baker

Understand

History

Mount Baker has worn several appellations in its 400,000 years. Long before white settlers came, Nooksack Indians called it quck-sman-ik, meaning "white mountain." The Lummi Indians near Bellingham Bay called it kulshan, meaning "broken off." Presumably, they were referring to the frequent volcanic activity.

English explorer Captain George Vancouver rededicated the mountain while charting the region in 1792. He named it for Lt. Joseph Baker, a young officer in his command who spotted the peak while their sloop "Discovery" was sailing off the coast of Washington, near Dungeness Bay.

Landscape

Flora and fauna

The North Cascades is home to many species of wildlife, from the common chipmunk to the grizzly bear.

In the summer, alpine flowers bloom along the high-altitude trails. The late snow melt means that the flowers bloom quite late in the year, usually late July or August. Fireweed and Columbine put on some of the most colorful displays.

Climate

Temperatures in the Mt. Baker area range from 70s (°F) with clear skies in the summer to upper 20s with rain and snow through the winter. Annual rainfall in the lowlands is 30 to 50 inches. At higher elevations, precipitation ranges from 70 to 140 inches.

In 1999, Mt. Baker set the world record for the most snowfall in a single season: 1,140 inches (2,895.6 cm)!

Get in

State Route 542, the Mount Baker Highway, is the only major road in the area.

From Bellingham, take Interstate 5 to exit 255, take Sunset Drive east until it becomes WA-542. Follow that highway 56 miles to the ski area, about 90 minutes in good weather conditions.

From the Sumas Canadian border crossing, continue following the road signs as you drive southeast for 45 minutes.

The road is plowed regularly as far as the ski area, so it should be passable to regular cars except during storms. However, chains may be required on two-wheel drive and all-wheel drive vehicles during inclement weather. Vehicles over 10,000 gross vehicle weight rating must carry chains between November 1 and March 31. Check the Washington State Department of Transportation for winter travel information.

Fees and permits

All trailheads along the highway, including Artist Point, are regulated by the U.S. Forest Service. If you plan to hike, you need to display a parking pass on each vehicle:

• United States Interagency Annual Pass ($80 online, valid for unlimited use at all United States National Parks, National Forests, and National Monuments for one year)
• Northwest Forest Pass ($30 online, valid for unlimited use at all United States National Forests in the states of Washington and Oregon for one year)
• National Forest Recreation Day Pass ($5 online and valid on one self-selected day only).

Pick up a pass at ranger stations, recreation stores and some local businesses.

Get around

The small communities of Maple Falls and Glacier each have a small grocery store, a few restaurants, lodges, and the last services before the rural highway arrives at the ski resort.

From there, every listing is accessed from WA-542.

Eat and drink

At the ski resort are two day lodges with parking and full amenities (White Salmon and Heather Meadows), and a third ski-in lodge ("Raven Hot Cafe") with food.

Stay safe

Do not depend on cell service past Maple Falls. There are many dead spots, even at services along the highway.

When hiking, carry the Ten Essentials, stay on trails, wear adequate footwear and use a topographic map and compass. Always tell a friend your travel plans including destination and expected return time. After hiking, check yourself for ticks which may carry Lyme disease.

Keep wildlife wild. Animals can be attracted to food and other scents. Human food is both unhealthy for animals and can lead to potentially dangerous encounters with bears. Pack out all food waste, and never feed wildlife. Store food, garbage and toiletry items in bear-resistant canisters or other forms bear-safe storage.

Go next

• North Cascades National Park — all the hiking and climbing immediately east of the mountain

The nearest major cities:

• Seattle
• Vancouver

Explore the other ski resorts in the Washington Cascades:

• Stevens Pass — the biggest terrain within two hours of Seattle. Elevation 3,500–5,089 ft
• Mission Ridge — on the eastern slopes, with more sunshine than the other resorts. Elevation 4,570-6,820 ft
• Snoqualmie Pass — the closest ski resort to Seattle. Elevation 2,610–5,420 ft
• Crystal Mountain — just east of Mount Rainier, with close-up views of the big mountain. Elevation 4,400–7,012 ft
• White Pass — a relaxed atmosphere for all abilities. Elevation 4,500-6,550 ft