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.