- Getting There
Heather Meadows Visitor Center, Mount Baker
- Distance and Travel Time (from downtown Seattle): 136 miles (2h 44m)
- Trip Type: Day trip or Overnight trip
- Parking
Parking lot in the park
- Admission
You can use your Interagency National Park Annual Pass (sold at $80 at national parks), but if you don’t have one, you can purchase a Day Pass for $5.
http://www.fs.usda.gov/main/mbs/passes-permits
- Map of the Area
https://www.nps.gov/noca/planyourvisit/upload/VIG-May-2017_final.pdf
(See page 5 for map of the Heather Meadows Area)
- Bagley Lakes Trail Info
https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mbs/recreation/recarea/?recid=17528&actid=50
- Fire & Ice Interpretive Trail Info
https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mbs/recreation/recarea/?recid=17532&actid=50
- More Info
Check the link for more information.
http://www.fs.usda.gov/main/mbs/home
- When to Go
Any time of year (it is good to go in summer when there are lots of wild flowers but there is also a skiing area for winter)
- Things to Do
Stroll along the trails, play in the snow, see wild flowers, stroll along the lakes, etc.
- Tips
1) Even when it’s sunny in Seattle, the Mt. Baker area can be much different so be sure to check the weather and current conditions before departing.
2) The weather in the mountains changes frequently so dress in layers to be prepared.
3) Not so sunny days or slightly cloudy days may be better for outdoor activities and yield better photos.
4) Nooksack Falls is a good spot to stop for a short break on the way up the mountain.
5) Walking the loop trail around Bagley Lakes (about 2 miles round trip) is a nice easy hike for families with young kids. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the boardwalks, waterfalls, bridges, and volcanic landscapes along this trail. Park at the Bagley Lakes trailhead parking lot and start the loop around the lake clockwise for magnificent views of Table Mountain. When you reach the south end of the Bagley Lakes Trail continue along the Chain Lakes Trail taking a right, crossing a beautiful stone bridge, to make the loop back to the trailhead from the opposite side of the lake. Some areas of the trail may be covered with snow offering more excitement to the trip. Wear waterproof hiking boots or shoes to keep feet dry.
6) Sometimes the snow stays even into late summer at Artist Point. Take along a sled, snow pants and mittens to enjoy some snow fun in summer!
7) If your family is not used to spending long hours in the car, make it an overnight trip.
- Other Months
– [July in Seattle] Picture Lake, Heather Meadows and Artist Point, Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
Nooksack Falls
Picture Lake
Picture Lake on a Sunny Day
Bagley Lakes Trail
Fire & Ice Interpretive Trail
Artist Point
