Artist Point Snowshoe, Artist Ridge - Huntoon Point - Mt Baker, WA

What a beautiful day for snowshoeing! Perfect with blue sky and powder snow. Artist Point is one of my favorite hikes through all seasons....either for summer/fall hike or winter/spring snowshoeing. 

It was after noon when I arrived at the upper parking lot of Baker Ski located at the end of HWY 542, and the spacious lot was completely full. Considering it's a holiday season, I recommend arriving earlier for convenience as even overflow parking along the road tends to get pretty full when it gets crowded. Also, the route to Artist Point from traihead gets in the shade by early afternoon, so that's another good reason to start early if you prefer to snowshoe in sunlight.

The road was clear of snow and well plowed all the way yesterday, but some icy spots on road surface. It was a smooth drive except that there was a section of one way lane traffic control due to road work on 542. It takes extra time to get through the wait line, particularly when everyone is on the road after leaving about the same time between 4pm - 5 pm. It took me extra 20 min. to get through the west bound traffic.

The snowshoeing route to Artist Point is obvious and easy to follow since there are well established snowshoe tracks en route....basically you trek up southeast parallel to the ski run from TH/parking lot toward Artist Point. Also, there is an option to snowshoe down to Chain Lakes....I noticed quite a few hikers with/without snowshoes exploring down to the snow covered lakes yesterday.

There are a few steep slopes you have to ascend to get to Artist Point, but they are not that long and doable for average hikers....just pace yourself. There is a lot of snow up there and it was a powder condition, not icy at all yesterday. I had gaiters in my pack, but they were not necessary to put on.

Enjoy the views on the way to and at Artist Point in all directions....breathtaking vistas - Mt. Baker, Mt. Shuksan, Table Mountain, other Cascade ranges of US/Canada border and Baker Lake down below. It's a beauty of winter wonderland! From Artist Point, I trekked up to Huntoon Point....the high point at the southeast of Artist Point where you can overlook Artist Point and take a dramatic closeup view of Mt. Shuksan just for yourself.

All the way back to the parking lot from Artist Point, Mt. Shuksan was magically entertaining through expressing a change of colors from snow white to yellow, orange, red and purple reflecting the sunset light.

By the way, it is always a good protocol to check avalanche forecast in advance when you hike into a snow country.

Church Mountain - Mt. Baker/WA

You notice a towering peak coming into sight between forest lines along HWY 542 when you drive toward Mt. Baker from the ranger station in Glacier. The peak is Church Mountain. Ever since I noticed the majestic appearance of the peak en route to Mt. Baker, climbing Church was one of my bucket lists. I finally made it yesterday. 

Church Mountain is an awesome hike....."no pain, no gain" is well fitting. Although the hike may be a bit strenuous (3,750 ft elevation gain in 4.2 miles), it's worth the effort for the reward you see on the way and at the summit. The trail is well maintained. After 3 miles of hard climbing in numerous steep switchbacks through the deep forest of tall tree growth, the trail comes into an alpine meadow.....be ready to get awestruck by breathtaking views of Church's towering wall and landscape.

As you traverse the meadow, enjoy picturesque Mt. Baker and Mt. Shuksan juxtaposing on the skyline. Once you cross Deer Horn Creek, the trail begins to climb up again leaving the alpine basin. The view of Mt. Baker and Mt. Shuksan gets even better as you gain more elevation into 6,000 ft.

Continue the journey up to the old lookout site on the rocky peak at 6,100 ft. Use caution, however, while climbing up to the rocky top. Wow...the summit offers spectacular 360 panorama in all directions. To be frank, it's one of the best panoramas I've ever seen. Stand on between heaven and earth, and take in all the glory of God's creation and spectacular landscape from Church....Mt. Baker, Mt. Shuksan, North Cascades, British Columbia, Kidney Lakes, San Juans, and the vicinity - Skyline Divide, Table Mountain, Ptarmigan Ridge and much more as far as you can see.

It was quite intriguing to watch a hiker I met at the summit flying a drone for aerial filming. Obviously, recreational activities like flying a drone is allowed if not in designated wilderness. In fact, the drone's aerial footage of Church gives a different perspective of the hike and amazing views of the mountain and landscape. Here is the link to watch the drone's aerial views of Church Mountain filmed yesterday by the hiker "North Cascades Aerial". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1_GpWmQu8s&feature=youtu.be

Church Mountain....yes, indeed, TWO THUMBS UP! Hallelujah!!

8.5 miles RT

Gain: 3750 ft

Highest Point: 6100 ft

 

 

 

 

 

Lake Ann/Mt Shuksan - Mt. Baker, WA

No dinosaur sightings! And yet, the hike of Lake Ann trail somewhat offers a rendering of Jurassic Park/The Lord of the Rings as described in WTA's description last week. 

Lake Ann was one of the hikes on my bucket list ever since I started hiking Mt. Baker area and encountered the alpine beauty of Mt. Shuksan. I am glad I finally made it to Lake Ann. 

The trailhead is located at a paved parking lot just below Artist Point and the tail is well maintained all the way to the lake. The hike starts descending through a forest down to an alpine meadow. The trail traverses a creek and there is a sign which says Swift Creek. Enjoy a spectacular view of Mt. Shuksan as you hike through the meadow and boulder fields.

Leaving the basin, the trail starts to ascend to the saddle up toward Mt. Shuksan. The route is a little rocky, but well maintained. As you ascend, look back to capture grand vistas of Artist Point, Table Mountain and Mt. Baker. Keep ascending the trail along talus rocks with the meadow and boulder basin behind, you finally reach the top of the saddle where Lake Ann comes into sight in just a short distance. The lake is quietly tucked in behind the saddle. 

Hike down the trail to a T where the trail splits. To your right is to Lake Ann, or go left to lead you on to Chimney Fisher climbing route. Before you decide which way you want to go, take in the breathtaking views of Mount Shuksan, Fisher Chimney, Curtiss Glacier and Lake Ann. Facing the massive rock with glaciers and water falls streaking down, with a little imagination's help you may feel like standing in the landscape of Jurassic Park or The Lord of the Rings. 

I continued to trek along the Chimney Fisher climbing route up to where scrambling begins. Eventually, you enter North Cascades National Park. As you continue the climbing route, Baker Lake can be seen in distance to your right, and soon the route begins to gain elevation in switchbacks toward Lower Curtiss Glacier. The up-close view of Curtiss Glacier is stunning in just a couple hundred feet away. As you descend the route to return to Lake Ann, Mt. Baker and Lake Ann come into sight. 

Ripe berries were sweet and perfect to quench my thirst along the hike.