Look Out MT BAKER SCENIC HWY/HWY 542 Here We Come! It’s a Beautiful, Sunny Fall Day the last Friday in September 2018!
Our first stop along the Hwy was the MT BAKER FOOTHILLS CHAMBER AND VISITOR’S CENTER in Maple Falls for maps and information. And what great maps they have too!
At MP40, about 20 minutes from the Visitor’s Center, a sign on the right leads us 0.5 miles down the bumpy Wells Creek Road to the NOOKSACK FALLS parking area; a large dirt parking pullout on the left just before the bridge.
A walk across the road, down a short unmarked dirt trail and we reach the Overlook for a view of NOOKSACK FALLS. No Permit Required.
Back to the Scenic Highway and it isn’t long (about a 1/2 hour) before we come upon a small unnamed mountain lake and pull over into a parking area on the right. This is a great stop.
Then around the corner we drive, and BOW WOWZA, MAGIC LOOT..A stunning view of MT. SHUKSAN, fall color and clouds, all reflected in PICTURE LAKE at MP55
Parking at Picture Lake is anywhere on the left where there is a spot on the road.
We can’t resist taking the 1/2 mile dog friendly walk around PICTURE LAKE where we find ourselves bathed in Fall color and overwhelmed by the beauty of our surroundings!
Back in the car, and as we are making our final ascent to Artist’s Point, we see a large turnout/viewpoint on our right and simply have to stop for a picture of the mountains.
Then more MAGIC LOOT, when we see a young man with his violin on a distant mound…and as we watch, my ears perk up as he begins to play, his music soaring to the heavens..Goosebumps!
We finally reach ARTIST’S POINT, MP58, the end of the Mt Baker Scenic Hwy, and as we turn into the parking lot, Voila, MT BAKER! Oh My!
But, First things first… we luckily find a parking spot in the already packed lot, then head off on the ARTIST’S RIDGE TRAIL , navigating the varied terrain – boulders, stairs, and lakes, while enjoying the magnificent views on this PAWpular 2-mile out and back hike.
Northwest Forest Pass Required.
After our hike, we are famished (it is around 3 p.m.) And, To quote Pooh Bear, “I think it’s time for a little something” said Cody, so we head back down to the AUSTIN PASS PICNIC AREA on the left at MP56; a short drive from Artist’s Point.
Northwest Forest Pass required.
From here it’s an 1-1/2 hour drive to our night’s lodging at the dog friendly LA QUINTA BELLINGHAM, where we end this perfect day, what has been a Feast for All the Senses, with an Amazing sunset from our 3rd floor room. Great affordable hotel with no pet fee! (This has since changed. There is now a pet fee per night)
Today we walked 3.6 miles and climbed the equivalent of 11 floors! Atta Boy, Cody Dog!
A thing of beauty is a joy forever:
It’s loveliness increases; it will never
Pass into nothingness, but still will keep
A bower quiet for us, and sleep
Full of sweet dreams, and health and quiet breathing.
Therefore, on every morrow, are we wreathing
A flowery band to bind us to the earth.
John Keats
ITINERARY AT A GLANCE
- Mt. Baker Foothills Chamber of Commerce – Crossroads of Silver Lake Rd and Mt. Baker Hwy, Maple Falls
- Nooksack Falls – Mt. Baker Scenic Hwy/Hwy 542 MP40 Wells Creek Rd
- Picture Lake – Mt. Baker Scenic Hwy/Hwy 542 MP55
- Artist’s Point and Artist’s Ridge Trail – Mt. Baker Scenic Hwy/Hwy 542 MP58
- Austin Pass Picnic Area – Mt. Baker Scenic Hwy/Hwy 542 MP56
- La Quinta Bellingham – 1063 W Bakerview Rd., Bellingham, WA
RESOURCES
LA QUINTA EVERETT
www.laquintaeverett.com
- 12619 4th Ave West, Everett, WA 98204
- 425-347-9099
- Room Rate. No Pet Fee (this has changed and there is now a pet fee per night)
- Amenities: Microwave, Refrigerator, Wifi, Flatscreen TV, Coffeemaker, Sundry Items, Complimentary Breakfast, Seasonal Pool, Air Conditioning and Heater, Elevator
- Dog Relief Area with waste bags
CODY’S PACKING LIST
Dog Food
Medications
Mosquito Spray
Paw Butter
Towel
Dog Treats
Brush
Dog Bowls
Dog Food
Canned Pumpkin
Sheet
Dog First Aid Kit
Water
Fleece Vest for Cold
Calming Vest
Regular and Handsfree Leash
Dog Waste Bags
Safety Harness
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