mt baker
Mt. Baker is the fourth highest peak in the Northwest at 10,781 feet (3286m). It is home to the second largest glacier system in the lower 48 States, second only to Mt. Rainier. Mt. Baker now holds the world record for annual snow fall, 95 total feet in 1998! Information on weekend/holiday/midweek/half day lift ticket rates, seasonal lift passes, opening and closing dates, hours of operation, events, mountain safety policies, or programs, please visit the website www.mtbaker.us
Two of the most rewarding hikes in the Mount Baker area actually originate not in the Heather Meadows/Artist Point area, but off side roads 1 mile east of the town of Glacier.
These are the 5-mile round-trip Heliotrope Ridge Trail (off Forest Service Rd. 39) and the 7-mile round-trip Skyline Divide Trail (off Forest Service Rd. 37).
Mt. Baker 3-Day Summit Climbs with International Mountain Guides
International Mountain Guides directors Phil Ershler, George Dunn, Eric Simonson and Paul Baugher organize and lead climbing, trekking and mountaineering expeditions around the world, from the classic climbs of the Alps and Andes to the 8,000m peaks of the Himalayas.
Please check the Mt Baker Ski Area website to see if they are open. The Bus only runs when the Ski Area is open and operating.
The Baker Bus will not run if there are not at least 4 reservations made on any given day. Use the calendar on the left to reserve or unreserve a seat.
$$ CASH ONLY $$
Check the passes and the Mt. Baker Highway before you head to the mountain.
General Driving Directions To Mt. Baker Ski Area
White Salmon Base Area is located at mile marker 52 on WA-542
Heather Meadows Base Area is located at mile marker 55 on WA-542
Touring the Mount Baker Highway is an extraordinary day trip packed with breathtaking scenery.
Officially, it is both a Washington State Scenic Highway and a National Forest Scenic Byway. The route follows Highway 542 from Bellingham, passing through farmland and forest before winding its way up to Artist Point at 5100 feet.
Artist Point is the top competitor for the best viewpoint in the state. The beautifully shaped Mount Shuksan is the star of the area, with a gorgeous summit pyramid and several impressive glaciers.
Looking for a great trail in Mount Baker National Forest, Washington? AllTrails has 90 great hiking trails, trail running trails, views trails and more, with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers, and nature lovers like you. Gearing up for a challenge? There are 39 hard trails in Mount Baker National Forest ranging from 2.6 to 39.4 miles and from 885 to 10,770 feet above sea level. Start checking them out and you'll be out on the trail in no time!
The dominant feature in the North Cascades is Mount Baker, a glaciated volcano that can be seen on clear days from as far as Seattle and makes a great backdrop for photos of Vancouver, BC.
Many hiking trails follow the ridges around Mount Baker and offer stunning views of the summit.
When the snow is cleared on the Mount Baker Highway, opening up the road to popular Artist Point, Heather Meadows Visitors Center at Austin Pass Picnic Area offers an excellent launch point for hikes for all abilities and interests.
Once you arrive at Austin Pass, you can pick your adventure and go from there! You may choose to just chill and enjoy a picnic with amazing views. Or get your boots on and hit the trail.
Website: Bellingham Insider
local knowledge
local knowledge - getting around
Your guide to the surrounding areas of Maple Falls, Glacier, Concrete, and Deming. For more in-depth guide, go to the Guide Book where there’s recommendations for local places to eat, the brewery guide, more adventures and insider tips.

Maple Falls and the surrounding area of highway 542.

Wander A Frame is located in the idyllic town of Maple Falls, Washington.
7802 Silver Lake Rd, Maple Falls
6476 Mt Baker Hwy, Deming
5565 Mt Baker Hwy, Deming
7797 Silver Lake Rd, Maple Falls
7519 Kendall Rd, Maple Falls
9989 Mt Baker Hwy, Deming
6186 Mt. Baker Hwy, Deming
6903 Bourne St, Glacier
7471 Mt Baker Hwy, Deming
Rifugio's Country Italian Cuisine
5415 Mt Baker Hwy, Deming
10459 Mt Baker Hwy, Deming
5565 Mt Baker Hwy, Deming
spring and summer
spring and summer
Staying at Wanderer as the winter gives way to spring is an experience. As you walk the property, you’ll see new shoots unfurling under the old-growth trees. The sounds of spring come alive, with Mr. Rooster still doing his rooster medley throughout the day. Spring hiking is a such a joy in the Mt. Baker Forest. With hikes, biking trails and beautiful lakes that only nature makes. The summer is full of activities including the local farmers market, the fairs and with Bellingham just 30 minutes away, there’s full days spent browsing shops and enjoying a brew on a warm summer’s night. The cabin has an electric grill for outdoor cooking, and with the French doors opening onto the deck, it’s a wonderful way to relax. Check back often as events and ideas are added. You can also visit the Guide Book for more recommendations.

Day trips through winding back roads.

Lazy days browsing farmers markets.
Ski to Sea is the original multisport relay race, from Mt. Baker to Bellingham Bay. Organize your team of 3-8 racers and join us on Memorial Day weekend! Teammates and spectators await finishing racers in Bellingham’s scenic Marine Park and can experience the Historic Fairhaven Festival, the all-day street party just up the hill.
Saturdays June – October
Nugents Corner: 9 am to 3 pm
North Fork Library: 10 am to 2 pm
The Twin Sisters Farmers Market was born in the winter of 2015 when a group of young farmers connected over their goal to increase access to locally grown and affordable food in the foothills region of Whatcom County. We are a cooperatively run mobile market that serves Nugents Corner and Kendall every Saturday from June through October with our converted flatbed trailer.
The Deming Logging Showgrounds come alive the second full weekend in June each year for the annual Deming Logging Show with events and exhibitions to display the skills, tools, and technology used in the logging industry.
A nonprofit organization, the Deming Logging Show relies on the support of local people, businesses, and volunteers to support families of loggers who have been injured or killed on the job.
The Nooksack River Stewards program is a collaboration between the United States Forest Service and NSEA. Through the River Stewards program, NSEA engages residents and visitors and provides outreach and education about wild salmon, native fish populations, and the Nooksack River watershed.
The River Stewards program is based in Glacier, WA. All events are free and open to the public – no registration required.
Watch the ducks race at Boulder Creek just east of Maple Falls.
Tickets Available For $5.00 Each at Crossroads Grocery, Mountain Do’s, Mt. Baker Lodging and The Mt. Baker Foothills Chamber of Commerce.Or By Calling Pat Newell at (360) 599-1144.
In July.
Proceeds Benefit the Mount Baker Scholarship Fund and Community Activities.
Celebrating downtown Maple Falls, the Bigfoot Festival brings sasquatch followers together!
In August.
This community event will include a local artisan craft fair, a Raffle drawing for 2 SUPs, tasty food trucks, live music and the oh so popular, documenting your sighting of the Best Bigfoot costume contest.
Held on the Deming Logging Showgrounds. Local bands (with a few blow-ins) along with a campground full of tents, guitars, coolers, and banjos surrounding two stages, creating three nights and two days of pickin’, singin’, and stompin’.
August.
The North Cascades Bluegrass Festival is a joint venture by the Whatcom Parks and Recreation Foundation (WPRF) and 5 Starr Jams. Its primary purpose is to help raise funds for the WPRF.
Labor Day Weekend
EWRRC 8251 Kendall Rd, Hwy 547 It’s a celebration of community connection & caring and will be lots of fun! Free food & beverages, live music, giant family slip and slide, bouncy house, horse & buggy rides, volleyball, face painting, vendors and more!
In August.
Summer is the best time to go floating on the tube on the South Fork of Nooksack River, near Acme just 30 minutes from the cabin on Route 9. There’s plenty of places along the road to pull off and hop in.
autumn and winter
autumn and winter
As the crisp autumn days give way to winter, you’ll find yourself looking towards the cozy wood burning stove. With the Mt. Baker Forest almost as your back garden, there’s a limitless supply of hiking trails for all abilities. Winter starts when the first snow falls on Mt. Baker. Known for some of the deepest snow in North America, the mountain is a skiing and snowboarding dream. The Mt. Baker ski area is powered by generators, so there’s no night skiing. Nothing is better than a long hike breathing in the forest air or a day well-spent on the slopes. Come back to Wanderer, cook a hearty meal then settle in for long chats, a favorite movie, games, or end the day curled up watching a movie on Netflix, HULU or Amazon video.
Check back often as events and ideas are added. You can also visit the Guide Book for more recommendations.


There`s nothing like a fresh snowfall to get people off the couch and out in the mountains. Enjoy the excitement of downhill skiing or the quiet solitude of snowshoeing on the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Before you go, check current weather and forest conditions at the local ranger district or the Avalanche Center. If you are backcountry skiing or hiking be aware of tree well and deep snow safety.
This site was started by two long-time friends and fishermen Nick and Sam. Our goal is to create an informative site where local fishermen in Whatcom and Skagit counties can find and share information, post reports and discuss issues affecting the local fishing community.
LBS is an annual snowboarding contest held annually since 1985 at Mt. Baker Ski Area. The winner takes home the coveted Duct Tape Trophy.
Saturdays during the snow season. We must have snow at the SnoPark for these events.
Ski Ambassadors are on hand at the Salmon Ridge SnoPark at mile 46 with maps of the local ski and snowshoe trails as well as the opportunity to buy a SnoPark pass. Look at and talk about the different types of skis, put on a pair of snowshoes and try them out.
Bring your shovel, probe, and beacon or use a demo. A free community education event, bringing local avalanche professionals together to share avalanche rescue skills and promote mountain safety.
Check out our blogs for more insider tips on Whatcom in the winter.
Being a Beginner at Mt. Baker Ski Area
Cozy Winter Activities at Whatcom County Museums and Art Galleries
Holiday Events in Whatcom County
Outdoor Gear Rentals and Services in Whatcom County
Snowshoe White Salmon Road with Views of Mount Shuksan
Sledding at Mount Baker
Restaurants open in Bellingham and Whatcom County on Christmas Day=
Seeking Cross-Country Ski Solitude in the Shadow of Mount Shuksan
X-C Skiing from the Glacier Creek Sno-Park in Mount Baker Wilderness
Mt. Baker Lions Club
Held on Saturday of Labor Day weekend along Mt. Baker Highway in Maple Falls.
Bicyclists ride from Glacier to Artist Point in a 22 mile race gaining 4098 feet in elevation. Held in September.
A tasty and festive weekend at Cloud Mountain Farm. Experience the farm firsthand and savor the bounty of our region. This family-friendly event features tastings of over 200 varieties of fruits and vegetables all grown on the farm. In October.
Held each year on the second full weekend of October, Deming Oktoberfest opens at High noon of Friday before closing out late Saturday evening. Each day attendees enjoy live music from the Tillamook, Oregon-based Polkatones band – a traveling ensemble decked out in dirndls and lederhosen. This event is 21+ only.
traveling to canada
TRAVELING TO CANADA
Information about the Sumas border crossing, links to the WSDOT cameras, and the biggest little city you may not know about - Abbotsford.
The Sumas-Huntingdon Border Crossing connects the cities of Sumas, Washington and Abbotsford, British Columbia on the Canada–US border. It can be reached from British Columbia Highway 11 on the Canadian side and Washington State Route 9 on the American side.
Port of Sumas
Phone: (360) 988-2971
Fax: (360) 988-6300
Operational Hours: 12:00 PM-12:00 PM (Pacific)
Seven Days A Week (7)
The estimated wait times for reaching the primary inspection booth, the first point of contact with CBP when crossing the Canada/U.S. and Mexico/U.S. land borders. Each border location updates its estimated wait times hourly. To make sure you have our current information, use your browser's refresh or reload function.
Abbotsford is a fantastic day trip across the Canadian border. Abbotsford is where farm meets table, spirit meets nature, and travelers meet this cultivated city. Come for the eats, the arts, and the backwoods trails. Come for adventures, experiences, and for moments you’ll take with you wherever you’re headed to next.
Tourism Abbotsford is a Destination Marketing Organization that delivers tourism marketing on behalf of over 300 marketing partners. Tourism Abbotsford also leads the delivery of Visitor Services and has operated the Fraser Valley Trade & Exhibition Centre (Tradex) since 2003. Our commitment to best practices has resulted in being recognized as a BC Tourism Industry Award recipient in community sports tourism, in addition to earning a BC DMO Professional Excellence Award.
Border crossing information crossing from Canada to the United States.
bellingham guide
bellingham and surrounding area
Bellingham is located 30 minutes west of the cabin. Filled with boutiques, cafes, a myriad of restaurants and some darn tasty breweries, there’s plenty to experience. There’s a number of routes to get to Bellingham. Try driving around Whatcom Lake and stopping for a picnic at any one of the beautiful parks. Check back here for recommendations or visit the guide book for some local tops picks.

Located 30 minutes from the cabin, Bellingham has a variety of shopping adventures, hiking trails, parks and a beautiful marina.

Cheers to the unique restaurants and cafes. Be sure to visit Fairhaven. Bellingham is home to Western Washington University.
Whether you’re hunting for bargains or looking for handcrafted wares or boutiques, Bellingham has many different places to shop. Head to Downtown Bellingham and the Historic Fairhaven District to find unique shops full of locally made items. Front Street in Lynden is also a hub for local shops and antique stores.
Imagine a slightly less gentrified slice of Portland, OR, broken off and towed 250 miles to the north. Welcome to laid-back Bellingham, a green, liberal and famously livable settlement that has a distinctly libertine, nothing-is-too-weird ethos. Mild in both manners and weather, the city is an unlikely alliance of espresso-sipping students, venerable retirees, and all-weather triathletes, with brewpubs on every corner.
The fishing port and college community of Bellingham has steadily transformed itself from a rough-and-tumble blue-collar town to the arts, retirement, and pleasure-boating capital of Washington's northwest corner. Downtown abounds with cafés, microbreweries, specialty shops, and galleries, and the waterfront—dominated by lumber mills and shipyards in the early 1900s—is gradually morphing into a string of parks with connecting trails. College students and professors from Western Washington University make up a sizable part of the town's population and contribute to its laid-back intellectual climate. The lushly green bayfront, creeks meandering through town, and Lakes Whatcom and Padden attract wildlife like deer, raccoons, river otters, beavers, ducks, geese, herons, bald eagles, and the occasional cougar.
Kale & Compass is a lifestyle and travel blog dedicated to living sustainably and inspiring others to reduce their impact on the environment.
Weekend Travel Guide