The Best Mt. Baker Hikes to Take This Summer

The best Mt. Baker hikes this summer

Mt. Baker hikes include a wide array of adventures that will lead you to incredible views of snow-capped mountains and majestic glaciers, to alpine meadows filled with a rainbow of summer wildflowers! This impressive area offers many options to get out and explore the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Mt. Baker itself is an iconic peak that is an active volcano and is the centerpiece of many hikes in the area. The Mt. Baker Wilderness includes more than 50 miles of hiking trails and offers some of the most spectacular hiking in all of Washington.

Let our Bellingham bed and breakfast be your perfect escape this summer! Our cozy, quiet, and comfortable lodging can be the base camp for all of your Mt. Baker hikes and explorations. We are the closest luxury bed and breakfast to the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest and after a day of adventure, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that you will return to your beautifully appointed guest room set up with your ultimate comfort in mind.

At our casual yet elegant Washington inn, you’ll be able to relax and unwind. The surrounding towns of Bellingham and Lynden are thriving communities with lots to do and see. If you are ready for the best getaway this summer, book your stay with us today!

The best Mt. Baker hikes this summer

The Best Mt. Baker Hikes

When one thinks of the quintessential Pacific Northwest wilderness Mt. Baker hikes offer all of the classic components. Rugged mountains that emerge out of wildflower-speckled alpine meadows, beautiful lakes, and wildlife such as black bears, mountain goats, and marmots make up this magical landscape. Summer opens up many options for getting out and exploring this world-class area. Here are the best Mt. Baker hikes to check out this summer!

  1. Often referred to as the perfect day hike the Chain lakes Loop features a chain of alpine lakes to explore. This 6.5-mile moderate hike features breathtaking views of Mt. Baker and Mt. Shuksan that constantly change along the trail. There are meadows full of wildflowers and blueberries on this classic hike.
  2. Artist Ridge Trail is a must-see popular 1.2-mile trail with great expansive mountain views. This trail is located in the Heather Meadows area and features interpretive panels that inform all about the natural and cultural history here. This is a good one to begin your exploration of Mt. Baker hikes.
  3. If you are looking for more of a challenge Heliotrope Ridge is a 5.9-mile challenging trail where you can get up close and personal with Coleman Glacier. You’ll travel from dense forest to above treeline passing over rocky moraines along the way. You’ll share this trail with mountaineers attempting to summit Mt. Baker.
  4. Table Mountain Trail is a 2.8-mile moderate hike that is a short but steep ascent to a plateau with sweeping views of Mt. Baker, Mt. Shuksan, and other mountains in the North Cascade range. This area is unique for Mt. Baker hikes and is a must-see!
  5. One of the more challenging of the Mt. Baker hikes is the Skyline Divide. This 9-mile round trip hike offers rewarding views of the surrounding peaks, rivers, and forests.
  6. The Horseshoe Bend Trail is one of the more family-friendly Mt. Baker hikes. This 2.4-mile hike is a mellow walk next to the Nooksack River.
  7. Winchester Mountain offers dramatic views on this 3.4-mile moderately rated hike. Here there is an old fire tower as well as views of numerous mountain peaks. You’ll see the Twin lakes below and you relax on the summit taking it all in.
  8. One of the best Mt. Baker hikes for spotting wildflowers is Yellow Aster Butte. In this breathtaking area, you’ll hike for 7.5-miles and traverse the south-facing slope of the High Divide. At the summit, you’ll be treated to stunning views of jagged mountains like Baker, Shuksan, and Tomyhoi.
  9. Ptarmigan Ridge is a rocky trail that will lead you up close to the east side view of Mt. Baker. You’ll begin at the Chain Lakes Loop Trail and turn at the junction at which point the crowds should thin out and here you’ll find solitude.
  10. The easy 2.2 miles of the Bagley Lakes Loop is another one of the Mt. Baker hikes that is a great family option. You’ll start at the Heather Meadows area but won’t experience as much foot traffic such as at places like Artist Point. This hike features 2 sparkling alpine lakes and impressive mountain backdrops.

More Great Hikes Near Bellingham Worth Trying

There are hundreds of miles to explore in the Bellingham area! The city offers an extensive system of hiking trails where you’ll still get the mountain views and beautiful forest walks. Chuckanut Mountain Park offers trail access to incredible natural areas with stunning views. These interconnecting trails combine Whatcom County Parks and Recreation, Larrabee State Park, City of Bellingham Parks, and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.  Here some hikes near Bellingham worth checking out this summer on your next visit.

  • The Interurban Trail was historically a railroad and now connects the urban greenways in Fairhaven with Larrabee State Park.
  •  The Hemlock Trail leads you to views of waterfalls, and up to see Bellingham Bay and the San Juan Islands.
  • A must-see is the Raptor Ridge Trail that features views of cliffs and hiking near streams and wetlands. Thus trail will lead you up to an overlook to see Oyster Creek and Bellingham Bay.
  • The Lost Lake Loop is a moderate 11.6-mile loop that features a lovely forested lake.
  • Pine and Cedar Lakes Trail is a 5-mile roundtrip hike where the many side trail will lead you to views of Mt. Baker and the Puget Sound.

The best Mt. Baker hikes this summer

The Perfect Bellingham Lodging

Need an escape this summer? Our Bellingham lodging is the best choice for luxury accommodations so close to the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. You’ll have peace of mind that after a day of adventure hiking around Mt. Baker you will be returning to a quiet, comfortable, and relaxing place to rest. In your beautifully appointed guest room, you’ll get a great night’s sleep on your 500 ct bedding.

Your private en-suite bath includes organic, biodegradable bath amenities to unwind with. We prepare a home-cooked meal, often using local and organic ingredients, to get your day started out right. If you want the ideal place to spend your vacation to Bellingham and the Mt. Baker area, book your stay with us today!