Upper Lodge to Artist Point Trail is a 3.9 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Maple Falls, Washington that offers the chance to see wildlife and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, cross country skiing, and snowshoeing. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
Dogs on leash
Cross country skiing
Hiking
Snowshoeing
Forest
Views
Wildlife
Snow
As of January 06, 2020, users have reported that the trail was closed for avalanche control. Please consult the park's website before visiting.
No permit required
To get there, from Bellingham drive east on State Route 542 (Mount Baker Highway) to the road end, about 55 miles, at the upper parking lot of the Mount Baker Ski Area.
August 9, 2020
July 30, 2020This is a very beautiful trail; although a lot of it was covered in snow! Make sure to bring your camera because there’s a reason why it’s calked “Artist Point “! As others have mentioned, you’ll have to start your journey at the Heather Meadows parking lot because the upper gate is closed as of July 29, 2020. Enjoy!
July 26, 2020Upper gate is still closed, there’s snow over the road and up at the parking lot at artist’s point the snow come up to the eves of the roof of the restroom. There have been enough hikers over the snow now that it’s unlikely to lose your way. However the snow is a little slick so either good shoes or crampons would help with safety. I am an oddball and hike in sandals everywhere. I used my crampons over my sandals for a stretch and had no trouble, but it was obviously difficult for some hikers ahead of me. The temps are getting higher so the snow is likely to mealy quickly, but makes it important to bring plenty of water/electrolytes and wear appropriate clothes and sunscreen.
July 8, 2020Just go at sunrise or sunset. That’s my only advice...
July 1, 2020Hiked halfway up yesterday. I chose to hike the road rather than trail find, but want to review here for those looking for conditions. Between the first and second locked gates is plowed and dry. Past the second gate there is lots of snow. I was waking on 6-10 feet of snow on top of the road. I had microspikes, snowshoes would have been easier. The top layer of the snow was soft wet so it made for a slippery, difficult slog. I unfortunately ran out of time to make it up to the top. I was really surprised how many people were in the parking lot just hanging out, but since you have to be willing to snow hike to really go anywhere, it was plenty dispersed.
May 30, 2020A few days ago I didn’t need snow shoes but the snow has become considerably softer with the warm weather and a bit harder to walk in.
May 29, 2020March 21, 2020March 14, 2020February 9, 2020February 7, 2020January 3, 2020Didn’t make it far, sign said trail was closed for avalanche control. Decided to follow the rules and turn back. Still a nice little stroll
January 1, 2020December 26, 2019December 22, 2019Beautiful with sweeping 360° views! Lots of snow!!
November 30, 2019November 29, 2019Every time I do this hike I can't help but feel the luckiest person on the planet. If you're wondering whether there's enough snow to snowshoe the answer is yes! It'll get even better with the next snowfall, but it's already awesome. Saw many other snowshoers, cross-country-skiers, snowboarders and some hikers with traction - I would not particularly recommend that for the last portion to artist point. The snow is already pretty deep and fluffy. Most of the snow was great to snowshoe on. On 11/29 you could still follow the "road" to artist point (in the sense that it is completely covered with snow but you can see where it usually is), but it might be more fun to follow the usual snowshoe path for when the ski resort is open. No clouds in the skies, amazing and breathtaking views of Baker and Shuksan! Could not have chosen better for my OptOutFriday outing :) This might be the most beautiful place I've ever seen.
November 28, 2019October 22, 2019Beautiful hike up Wild Goose Trail
September 3, 2019what an awesome hike
May 19, 2019On May, 18th we could travel without snow shoes - but it was wet (ie - I would recommend take snow shoes). Snow covers everything, should try to follow main road.
May 14, 20195/14. ranger advised against snowshoeing off trail at this time because trails are not marked and there is danger of falling through snow into rivers flowing under the surface. there were cat tracks, some followed the mt baker highway that is covered in snow and some went to a lodge. followed both... raining the whole time. stunning beauty.
