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Artist Point
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The parking lot at Artist Point.
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Artist Point parking lot.
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Artist Point
Artist Point is one of the most spectacular scenic areas in Washington’s North Cascades. Located at the very end of the Mount Baker Scenic Byway, State Route 542, Artist Point sits at approximately 5,100 feet and provides outstanding views of Mount Shuksan and Mount Baker. The paved road ends at a large parking area that serves as the starting point for several excellent hiking trails. Because of the tremendous snowfall in this area, the final section of highway to Artist Point is typically open only during the summer and early fall.
Just below Artist Point is Heather Meadows, a beautiful subalpine area filled with wildflowers, small lakes, rocky ridges and mountain views. Heather Meadows includes Picture Lake, Bagley Lakes and the Heather Meadows Visitor Center, and is connected to Artist Point by several trails. This entire area is one of our favorite places to explore in the Mount Baker region.
One of the premier hikes is the Chain Lakes Loop, which travels through the alpine country surrounding Artist Point and Heather Meadows while passing several beautiful mountain lakes. Another major hike is the Ptarmigan Ridge Trail, which heads toward Mount Baker through increasingly rugged alpine terrain. The short Artist Ridge Trail is an excellent choice for visitors looking for incredible scenery without committing to a long hike. Artist Point also provides access to the popular Table Mountain Trail, which climbs above Heather Meadows for exceptional views.
The nearby Lake Ann Trail begins along the Mount Baker Highway below Artist Point and leads into a spectacular basin directly beneath Mount Shuksan. From Lake Ann, hikers get remarkable close-up views of Shuksan’s glaciers and rugged mountain walls.
Whether you simply drive to the overlook or spend the day hiking, Artist Point and Heather Meadows provide some of the finest mountain scenery in the entire North Cascades.
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We snapped this shot next to the parking lot at Artist Point. Mount Baker towers behind us.
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The highway to Artist Point, with Mount Shuksan towering above it.
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Is Artist Point part of North Cascades National Park?
Artist Point is not located within the official boundaries of North Cascades National Park, but it is often regarded as an important part of the overall North Cascades National Park experience. One of the main reasons is the incredible view of Mount Shuksan, which rises dramatically to the southeast of Artist Point and is located within North Cascades National Park.
Mount Shuksan is one of the most recognizable and photographed mountains in the entire North Cascades. From Artist Point, visitors are treated to outstanding views of its rugged peaks, glaciers and steep mountain slopes. These views are especially impressive from the Artist Ridge Trail and other nearby hiking trails.
The nearby Heather Meadows and Picture Lake areas also provide famous views of Mount Shuksan. For many visitors, exploring Artist Point and Heather Meadows is a natural addition to a North Cascades National Park vacation and provides some of the finest views of the park’s mountain scenery.
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Map of Artist Point Area.
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Directions to Artist Point
Artist Point is located at the very end of the Mount Baker Highway (State Route 542) in northwest Washington. From Bellingham, take SR 542 east for approximately 55 miles, passing through the communities of Deming, Maple Falls and Glacier. Continue beyond Glacier as the highway climbs steadily into the mountains and enters the Heather Meadows Area near the Mount Baker Ski Area. Follow SR 542 past Picture Lake and the Heather Meadows Visitor Center, then continue up the final series of switchbacks to the large Artist Point parking area, where the highway ends. The road beyond Heather Meadows is seasonal and is typically open only during the summer and early fall because of heavy snowfall.
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Map of Artist Point Area.
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A view of Mount Shuksan from the Artist Ridge Trail above Artist Point.
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A view of Mount Shuksan from the Artist Ridge Trail above Artist Point.
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A lingering snowfield next to the Artist Point parking lot.
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Heather Meadows
Artist Point is not located within the official boundaries of North Cascades National Park, but it is often regarded as an important part of the overall North Cascades National Park experience. One of the main reasons is the incredible view of Mount Shuksan, which rises dramatically to the southeast of Artist Point and is located within North Cascades National Park.
Mount Shuksan is one of the most recognizable and photographed mountains in the entire North Cascades. From Artist Point, visitors are treated to outstanding views of its rugged peaks, glaciers and steep mountain slopes. These views are especially impressive from the Artist Ridge Trail and other nearby hiking trails.
The nearby Heather Meadows and Picture Lake areas also provide famous views of Mount Shuksan. For many visitors, exploring Artist Point and Heather Meadows is a natural addition to a North Cascades National Park vacation and provides some of the finest views of the park’s mountain scenery.
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Heather Meadows Area located below Artist Point. Bagley Lake rests out of view below the sunlit mountains. The Heather Meadows Visitor Center is hidden in the trees.
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Heather Meadows Area with Bagley Lake. This marks the end/beginning of the Chain Lakes Loop Trail.
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Heather Meadows Visitor Center is located near Bagley Lake in the Heather Meadows Area.
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A view of Mount Shuksan from Heather Meadows.
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Below are the three top trails found at Artist Point. Click each trail for details:
Trail starting at Heather Meadows:
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Artist Point parking lot, with Mount Shuksan in the background.
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A view of Mount Baker from the Artist Point parking lot.
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Highway leading up to Artist Point.
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