MOUNT BAKER JULY DAY TOUR
Glen, visiting all the way from Western Australia, took the Amtrak Cascades train from Seattle to the Mount Vernon station. He arrived at 9:30am and off we went on the 2-hr ride along the Mount Baker Scenic Byway. We traveled through farmland, forest, and up to 5140 ft to the Artist Point parking lot at the end of the road!
Immediately our cameras got on the job photographing the jaw-dropping view of Mount Baker! With our backpacks strapped to our backs, we set out on an easy hike across the talus (rocky) slope beneath Table Mountain to the junction of the Chain Lakes Trail. Every couple of steps and the view of Mount Baker, and Mount Shuksan behind us would change. That took us an hour.
We returned to the vehicle, snacked and off again we went on the Artist Point trail to Huntoon Point. We had more incredible and changing view of Mount Baker, Baker Lake, Mount Shuksan, Table Mountain, the North Cascades and the Coast Mountains of Canada. The first Canadian peak is less than 20 mi from where we were standing. This was an easy 1 mi hike.
Still full of awe and exhilaration, we drove down to the Heather Meadows Visitor Center to look at their interesting displays. Soon, we were on our third, easy, hike. The Bagley Lakes trail is an easy 2 mi loop around (you guessed) Bagley Lakes.
Immediately, we were stunned, not only by the views but also by the serenity and timelessness of the basin! We stood still, absorbing it all in. Oh, yes, and then more photos! You can’t get very far before stopping again to take more photos.
Gently flowing streams serenaded us along the way and emerging wildflowers colored out spirits. The most bizarre and interesting was the purple Elephant’s Head, the flowers look like elephant’s heads, seriously! We also saw yellow and purple violets, partridgefoot, pink and white mountain heathers, alpine speedwell, indian paintbrush, and others.
For the final touch on our Mount Baker July Day Tour, we stopped at Picture Lake for the “must-take-photo” of Mount Shuksan reflecting its majesty on (you guessed again) Picture Lake. It was absolutely gorgeous!
What a day: blue sky, sunny and warm, patchy snow, amazing views, fun trails, and great company! Thank you, Glen for making this a fantastic Mount Baker July Day Tour! I will always remember your comment: “hiking was so therapeutic”.
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Skagit Guided Adventures offers small group Nature, Hiking & Farm Tours around Anacortes, Skagit Valley, Mount Baker, the North Cascades & San Juan Islands. Join one of these fun Adventures for a day. Or stay longer for a multi-day Adventure to “Re-Wild” Your Spirit! in NW Washington. Check out all Guided Adventures.