3 Day Family Trip At Mt Baker Washington
Bagley Lake Trail, Mt Baker
It was Labor Day weekend. We had nothing on our calendar 3 days prior. In the last minute, we booked a 3 day and 3 night trip to Mt Baker Washington. It was our first time to explore the Mr Baker Ski Area although it was not ski season.
We - could - not - be - happier!
Bagley Lake Trail, Mt Baker
Perhaps we have been eyeing other parts of the world and some national parks for potential family trips, we haven’t paid too much attention to local trips.
Now that our 6 yo just started 1st grade (also in the last minute), the reality has sunken in - weekend, local trips are more practical.
Upper Wild Meadow Trail
Here’s the fact. I knew nothing about Mt. Baker before the trip, but lucked out in finding a beautiful Airbnb in a tiny town called Glacier.
According to the last census, the town has about 200 people. There’s no cell phone reception in the area. Beyond the town to the east, there is only one road and no gas station.
From Glacier, we followed along the Mt Baker Scenic Highway through the Snoqualmie National Forest, over the Nooksach River (see Nooksach Falls above), and eventually to the Mt Baker Ski Area, where the road will meander up to Artist Point, the top of the mountain.
Mt Baker wilderness
Along the drive, there are many local hiking trails. We have tried the following hikes. It’s hard to decide which one was our favorite.
1 - Artist Ridge Trail
I did this trail twice by myself. The first time was a quick recon to see where I could photograph sunset. The trail is only 1 mile long and an easy hike.
Selfie with Mt Shuksan in the background
Nevertheless, it took me a long time to explore, as the 360 degree mountain top view was simply stunning. I made so many stops along the way, and didn’t think I’ve covered enough. I probably ended up way too many selfies. (see how I create selfies)
Selfie at Artist Point, Mt Baker in the background
The second time, I came back in the evening. There was a drizzle, and the color was gloomy. I still decided to go up the hill and try my luck. Mountain weather is typically unpredictable. Who knows when the sun might break out of the clouds and bring out some colors? It did happen before, but not this time.
Mt Shuksan in the rain, ISO1600, 24mm, f/9, 25sec, 10 stop filter used
As a matter of fact the drizzle has never stopped, and the sunset location I picked out from recon didn’t pan out as planned. I wanted to photograph Mt Shuksan with sunset colors in the reflection, but I ended up a very moody grey photo. Anyway, I still enjoyed it. (Check out my default camera setting for landscape photography and my tips on when and how to use filters)
2 - Canyon Creek Trail
This is just a neighborhood trail a few minutes walk from our Airbnb and we totally loved it.
I also did this hike twice. Once to recon for landscape photography during sunset, and once hanging with family.
Selfie at Canyon Creek, Glacier, WA
Our two little guys could play with water for hours. That gave me plenty of time to capture the candid moments while taking sunset photos at the same time. (see how I create candid style).
We were told to watch out salmon jumps. Unfortunately, we didn’t see any. The following is a picture I took last fall at Salmon Cascades near Sol Duc Falls in the Olympic National Park. Just to give you an idea what it might look like.
3 - Bagley Lake Trail
This was a completely spontaneous hike on our 3rd day. After two days of rain and fog, the sun finally broke out.
Bagley Lake Trail
Ironically, the Artist Point on the mountain top was still heavily foggy. We originally wanted to try the Table Mountain Trail at Artist Point, but since the weather didn’t allow, we drove half way down the mountain and walked around randomly around a picnic area.
Little did we know there was a nice trail going down to the Bagley Lake. The trail was the most crowded one among the ones we tried this weekend, and it’s not hard to find out why. The hike was pretty easy for kids, and the view was beautiful.
Bagley Lake
4 - Upper Wild Meadow Trail
When hiking with kids, timing is so important. Our kids typically are troopers if we start the hike earlier in the day when they are well fed and rested. The closer to meal times, and the longer after they wake up, the more likely we’ll end up complaints and crankiness.
Our Upper Wild Meadow hike didn’t reach too far, as our newly turned 4 year old was hungry. He wanted to make a stop every other few steps. Fortunately, there were rocks and gravels that distracted him. Other than playing with water, this guy could easily get satisfied by throwing rocks and sand.
Lunch at Upper Wild Meadow Trail
As the trail was along a narrow path between the slopes, we didn’t find a place to lay down our picnic blanket, so these guys simply improvised a dining room on a rocky slope. The view wasn’t bad though.
Upper Wild Meadow Trail
5 - Chain Lake Loop Trail
This is a highly raved 6.5-mile trail starting at the mountain top Artist Point.
Unfortunately, we didn’t get the support from the weather. It was raining pretty hard when we arrived at the parking lot. After 30 minutes wait in the car, we decided to do a hike in the drizzle and fog - as it was better than sitting in a car or driving home.
It turned out to be one of the most unique hikes we’ve done. And I loved it! (check out a similar rain hike we did in Patagonia)
We could see very far in the fog, but the wild flowers glistened in the dew looked especially fresh and vibrant.
Our 4 yo entertained himself by throwing rocks as usual while my husband did some wild berry tasting.
Chain Lake Loop Trail in the fog
We decided to turn around after 45 minutes. The drizzle had no signs of stopping, nor was the fog willing to clear up to give us a view.
Rain hike at Chain Lake Loop Trail
6 - Picture Lake Lookout
We saw quite some photos of Picture Lake online before the trip, and thought “wow, what a nice view”. Apparently, it became our first stop of the trip.
Selfie at Picture Lake, Mt Baker, WA
Surprisingly, it was a tiny lake, or perhaps a large pond. Access was super easy. You can walk around the lake within minutes.
Picture Lake in sunshine. ISO100, 24mm, f/11, 15sec, 10-stop filter used
But you know what? I made 5 stops at this lake for our 3 day trip, as I was obsessed with the view of Mt Shuksan reflected in the lake. It was a lovely scene, and had different vibes in the rain and sunshine.
Picture Lake in the rain. ISO100, 24mm, f/10, 25sec, 10-stop filter used
Which one do you like better? (Check out My 10 Steps Workflow & Camera Setting For Best Landscape Photos)
Three days are too short. We saw incredible views but knew there were a lot more.
So long Mt Baker. We will be back.
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