From Bellingham to the majestic peak of Mt. Baker, State Route 542 (otherwise known as the Mt. Baker Highway) winds through quiet farmlands, rolling wooded hills, and small communities including Nugents Corner, Deming, Kendall, Maple Falls, and Glacier. Following State Route 9 to the south are the towns of Van Zandt and Acme.
Collectively, these communities are known as the Mt. Baker Foothills, filled with an array of small locally-owned and unique businesses, including the historic North Fork Brewery. This region also provides other restaurants, lodging, and miles of scenic trails through National Forest lands.
The final 24 miles of the route are designated a National Forest Scenic Byway, from the quaint community of Glacier to Artist Point (elev. 5,140 feet). At milepost 52 is the Mt. Baker Ski Area, offering skiers and snowboarders some of the finest terrain and the best snow conditions in the west.
Call the Glacier Public Service Center, Memorial Day to October (360-599-2714), or Mt. Baker Ranger District year-round (360-856-5700). Visit Mt. Baker- Snoqualmie National Forest for more details.
The center at Glacier is jointly operated by the U.S. Forest Service and the National Park Service. Daily and seasonal Northwest Forest Passes are available for National Forest Trails.
Check our Travel Advisory page to find links to real time road alerts and conditions. Traction devices may be required.
Take advantage of all the snow activities, events, and sports during the winter at Mt. Baker. Make sure you #RecreateResponsibly, and enjoy playing in our epic amounts of snow (the most at any ski resort in America aside from Alyeska)!
Get to know beautiful Mt. Baker in the snow. Select from a dozen remarkable snow adventures that allow you to experience some of the most spectacular scenery in Washington State.
There’s nothing like standing atop a snowy volcano and peering at the world’s beauty. From the summit of Mount Baker, you’re treated to some of the most magical views in all of Washington State.
If you’re considering climbing Mount Baker, consider going with an experienced guide. You'll increase your chances of summiting and your guide will help you plan, prepare, and push safely to the top.
Read this first-hand account by writer and photographer Alec Sills-Trausch who reached the summit of Mount Baker with Cascade Mountain Ascents.
The towns comprising the Mount Baker Foothills are the last stop before the mountain action begins, but they're also destinations in themselves.
Drive down Mosquito Lake Road, outside the town of Deming, to see Bald Eagles in the wintertime as they nest and fish along the Nooksack River. Or drop into Wake N Bakery in the town of Glacier for a coffee, delicious pastry, or breakfast burrito.
Check the gas tank! Deming and Maple Falls are the last places to fill up before heading up the mountain.
If you have any more questions about the area, stop by the Mount Baker Visitor Center before leaving Maple Falls.
Plan & Prepare - Gather the right permits, reservations, and gear.
Build an Inclusive Outdoors - Help create a more welcoming outdoors.
Respect Others - Be kind to all you encounter.
Leave No Trace - Follow the seven principles.
Make It Better - Volunteer, donate, and advocate.
