Mt. Baker Scenic Byway

Description:

• Mt. Baker Scenic Byway begins in Glacier and travels 24 miles to the Heather Meadows area. The Scenic Byway is State Hwy. 542 and it travels through the Mt. Baker Ranger District of the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. The Scenic Byway offers spectacular scenery ranging from dense rain forests to the rugged mountain summits of the North Cascades. The best time to travel the Byway is from July to September.

  Nooksack Falls can be viewed along the way. This type of thundering waterfall gave the Cascades their name, tumbling a total of 175 feet. In places, the road hangs onto the hillside as it winds up towards the spectacular summit. Sights of columnar basalt along the road, waterfalls, and tiny alpine lakes are a delight for visitors. Heather Meadows is probably one of the most photographed and filmed places in the state. This beautiful area has trails, picnicking, interpreters, and a ski area with a day lodge open during the summer weekends. Artist Point is a scenery highlight of the Heather Meadows area and the end of the byway. High above timberline, visitors will enjoy spectacular views and several trails to choose from including a alpine interpretive trail.