Artist Point Trailhead
Artist Point is a scenic vista, parking lot, and trailhead at the end of the Mt. Baker Scenic Byway, Washington State Route 542. The road to Artist Point is not plowed in winter and there is no set closure or opening date. It is closed to vehicles after the first significant snowfall which can happen anytime between the end of September - beginning of November and it is typically open by the beginning of July. In the summer, Artist Point serves as the trailhead and primary access point for Chain Lakes Trail, Ptarmigan Ridge Trail, Table Mountain Trail, and Artist Ridge Trail. One can also hike to Artist Point from Heather Meadows Visitor Center via Wild Goose Trail. In the winter Artist Point is a popular snowshoe destination.
Find information about accessible recreation opportunities in Pacific Northwest National Forests.
General Information
Typically open to vehicles July-October. Winter access non-motorized only, check avalanche conditions.
Day use only; no overnight camping allowed
Recreation Passes honored: Digital Passes, Northwest Forest Pass, and Interagency Recreation Passes.
Restrictions:
- Chain Lakes, Ptarmigan Ridge, and Table Mountain Trails enter Mt. Baker Wilderness where Wilderness Restrictions apply.
- Camping is prohibited at Artist Point from May 15-November 15. This includes tents, RVs, vans, and sleeping in cars.
- Pets must be on a leash at developed sites.
- Fires and charcoal briquettes are prohibited year round. Gas and propane stoves are allowed.
- No motorized access in winter. Snowmobiles prohibited.
Day Use:
$5 per vehicle per day
$30 per annual
Day use fee payment options: Scan & Pay on-site or display a valid Recreation Pass. *Suggestion: Download the recreation.gov app before your trip to have the ability to scan & pay digitally on-site.
Pets are allowed on a leash at Artist Point and are allowed on all nearby trails except Table Mountain trail. Pack out all waste to a garbage can. Pets must be in control at all times on trails and are not allowed to chase or harass wildlife. The wildlife in this area has a short window to bulk up for the harsh winter season and needs to conserve all of their calories.
Address: 10091 Mt. Baker Highway Glacier, WA 98244
Phone: (360) 599-2714
Hours: This U.S. Department of Agriculture office is currently closed due to the lapse in Federal Government funding. The office will reopen once Congress restores funding.
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 48.84637222
Longitude: -121.6919444
Elevation
5160 feet
Directions
From Glacier, Washington travel east to the end of Mt. Baker Highway SR 542. It is approximately 24 miles from the Glacier Public Service Center to the Artist Point parking lot.
Travel Considerations
Check the Washington State Department of Transportation website for road conditions and closure information. All vehicles must carry chains November 1-April. The highway is closed annually for the Ski to Sea Race the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend, the second Sunday in September for the Mt. Baker Hill Climb bicycle race, and for 3-4 weekdays early to mid-October for winter preparation.
Parking
There is room for approximately 250 vehicles at Artist Point. The parking lot fills quickly on sunny weekends. There is an overflow parking lot just below Artist Point, and roadside parking is allowed if the vehicle is completely off the roadway and not over or touching the white fog-line.
Facility and Amenity Information
Accessibility
Artist Point Parking lot is accessible and provides access to Artist Ridge trail which has two accessible vistas at the beginning of the trail.
Restrooms
Restrooms are not available at this site.
The vault toilets are open in the summer and closed in the winter.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
Picnic Tables
Picnic tables are not available at this site.
There are multiple Picnic Tables at the Austin Pass Picnic Area located about 1.5 miles before Artist Point.
Horse/Pack Animal Information
Horse/Pack animals are not allowed at this site.
Nearby Trails
- Artist Ridge Trail 669
- Chain Lakes Trail 682
- Table Mountain Trail 681
- Wild Goose Trail 684.3
- Ptarmigan Ridge Trail 682.1
Recreation Opportunities
Scenic Driving Info
Artist Point is one of the premier destinations for scenic driving in Washington State.
XC Skiing/Snowshoeing Info
Artist Point is a popular snowshoeing destination once the road closes in the winter. Park at the upper ski area parking lot/Bagley Lakes trailhead. The route is not marked or controlled for avalanches so snowshoers need to be prepared for route finding. Most of the route is outside of avalanche terrain, but there is some avalanche terrain that cannot be avoided to reach Artist Point. Backcountry users traveling in avalanche terrain should always check the avalanche and weather forecasts and carry avalanche rescue gear.
Viewing Scenery Info
On a clear day Artist Point and surrounding trails provide excellent views of North Cascades peaks, reflective tarns, colorful wildflowers, and brilliant fall foliage. Mt. Baker and Mt. Shuksan are the dominant peaks and on a clear day one can make out the top of distant Mt. Ranier.