A Day Trip to Artist Point
What you’ll find in this post:
What to do at Artist Point in Fall
Best view of Mount Shuksan.
MINI GUIDE:
Location: In the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
Drive time from Seattle: about 3 hours
Best time to go: Summer/fall (road closes in October for the winter season & reopens in June or July)
Must sees: Huntoon Point, Picture Lake, Heather Meadows Visitor Center (at Austin Pass), Mt. Baker Ski Area
Precautions: Check the WSDOT website for current road closure updates
Many years ago, on an October day, we attempted to go to Artist Point. Over three hours of driving later, just as we were closing in on the point, we came to a “road closed” sign. Little did we know the road had just closed for the winter season the previous day. The road ended at the ski resort, so we pulled the car over and park in the nearby lot to explored the ski area.
Last year, with a 10 month old in tow, we decided to attempt it again, but this time earlier in the fall season. We got on the Mount Baker highways and kept driving until we reached the Artist Point parking lot. The first time we went the atmosphere was incredible and it was a partly overcast day. We had such a good time we went back the next year. This second time it was a bit cloudy and misty.
Everything on this trip can be found just off the Mt. Baker Highway, State Route 542.
Huntoon Point is a great easy hike. We alternated between carrying M in the Osprey bag & letting her walk. The highlight for her was jumping in the lake pond like puddles.
We always park at the very top main Artist Point parking lot. It’s a great trail for beginning hikers. And if you have a water lover, there are a few ponds ready to be jumped in.
Incredible views of Mt. Shuksan and Mt. Baker, the whole hike is full of breath-taking views, unless you may have gone on a very overcast day.
Picture Lake viewpoint is a must see and an amazing fun little hike for new little hikers.
Heather Meadows Visitor Center at Austin Pass
Another fun favorite is to stop at Austin Pass, which includes the Heather Meadows Visitor Center. There are load of picnic benches with incredible views.
Also worth checking out is the ski area. The first time we went this was the furthest we got, but it was still fun hiking around this are in late fall.
On your way home, don’t forget to stop ant Mama’s Garden in Demming, WA. It’s such a sweet spot to stop. We loved playing in the truck pit, shopping at the farm stand for fresh produce, and of course checking out all the chickens.
Artist Point makes for a lovely day trip adventure. If you have older kids I’d also check out Nooksack Falls, but with a little tot I might skip this one.
Chair 9 in the town of Glacier is a great place to stop and grab a Woodstone pizza.
