.
Picture Lake
.
Picture Lake with Mount Shuksan of North Cascades National Park.
.
.
Picture Lake
Picture Lake is one of the most photographed locations in the Mount Baker Area of northern Washington, and for good reason. This small alpine lake is located in the Heather Meadows area along the Mount Baker Highway (State Route 542), just below Artist Point. Picture Lake is especially famous for its incredible view of Mount Shuksan, which rises dramatically beyond the lake and is often perfectly reflected in the calm water. Mount Shuksan is actually located within the boundaries of North Cascades National Park, even though Picture Lake and the Heather Meadows/Artist Point area are located just outside the park.
One of the best things about Picture Lake is how easy it is to visit. The lake is located right beside the highway, with parking areas and viewpoints providing quick access. A short, easy pathway circles part of the lake and provides several excellent places to enjoy the scenery and take photographs. The surrounding landscape includes mountain hemlocks, subalpine meadows and rugged North Cascades peaks.
The classic view across Picture Lake toward Mount Shuksan is especially impressive during calm mornings when the mountain and surrounding forest may be reflected in the water. During late summer and early fall, the changing colors of the surrounding vegetation can make this scene even more impressive.
Picture Lake is also an excellent stop while exploring the larger Heather Meadows and Artist Point Area. From here, visitors can continue farther up the Mount Baker Highway to Heather Meadows, Bagley Lakes and Artist Point, where even more outstanding mountain scenery and hiking opportunities are available.
We consider Picture Lake one of the must-see stops in the Mount Baker Area. It requires very little effort to reach, yet provides one of the most recognizable views of Mount Shuksan in North Cascades National Park, making it a great place to appreciate the dramatic scenery of the North Cascades.
.
Picture Lake with Mount Shuksan of North Cascades National Park.
.
Directions to Picture Lake
Picture Lake is located in the Heather Meadows Area along the Mount Baker Highway, State Route 542, in northern Washington. From Interstate 5 near Bellingham, take Exit 255 and follow WA-542 east toward Mount Baker. Continue through the communities of Deming, Maple Falls and Glacier as the highway gradually climbs into the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.
From Glacier, continue east on WA-542 for approximately 24 miles toward Heather Meadows and Artist Point. As you enter the Heather Meadows Area, Picture Lake is located directly beside the highway, shortly before reaching the main Heather Meadows parking areas and the road’s final climb toward Artist Point.
Small roadside parking areas near Picture Lake make it very easy to stop and enjoy the view. From the parking area, a short, easy trail and boardwalk provide access to several viewpoints overlooking the lake and Mount Shuksan. During winter and spring, snow may limit access along the upper Mount Baker Highway.
.
Picture Lake with Mount Shuksan of North Cascades National Park.
.
About Mount Shuksan
Mount Shuksan is one of the most recognizable mountains in the North Cascades and is located within the boundaries of North Cascades National Park. Rising to 9,131 feet, Mount Shuksan is known for its rugged profile, steep rock faces, glaciers and dramatic alpine setting. Its name is often associated with some of the most famous mountain views in Washington.
One of the best places to see Mount Shuksan is from the nearby Mount Baker Area, especially Picture Lake, Heather Meadows and Artist Point. From these locations, Mount Shuksan dominates the eastern skyline and provides outstanding opportunities for photography. The classic reflection of Mount Shuksan in Picture Lake is one of the most photographed scenes in the North Cascades.
Mount Shuksan is heavily glaciated, with several glaciers flowing from its upper slopes. While the mountain itself is remote and challenging to climb, visitors can easily enjoy spectacular views of it from the accessible roads, overlooks and hiking trails near Artist Point.
.
Picture Lake with Mount Shuksan of North Cascades National Park.
.
Picture Lake with Mount Shuksan of North Cascades National Park.
.
.
