Artist Point

There may be gold at the end of a rainbow, but that would pale with the reward of reaching the end of the Mt. Baker Highway at Artist Point – a breathtaking 360-degree panoramic view of lakes, meadows, snow and steep mountains. This area is open for only a short time in the summer.  Piles of melting snow, freshly plowed, lead to the point - elevation 5,140 feet.  It is the starting point for the world famous Ski to Sea Race held annually each May. 

Trails lead through flowering meadows, over ridges and volcanic debris, and past abandoned gold mines.  A favorite is an easy, accessible path around dazzling Picture Lake with views of Mt. Shuksan brilliantly reflected in it waters.  Take a walk around, soak up the view, take some photographs to remember this occasion and be the envy of friends. Then it's time to retreat back down the winding Mt. Baker Highway toward Bellingham. .

Forest Service Watchable Wildlife

Artist Point is two miles uphill from the Heather Meadows Visitor Center. The site is located on the ridge that sits in the divide between Mount Baker and Mount Shuksan. On clear days there are stunning vistas of some of the most breathtaking scenery in northwest Washington. Mount Baker supports the largest population of mountain goats in the state of Washington. Goats are commonly seen just below the view point and at other locations more distant. Black bears are sometimes seen along the road leading to Artist Point.