Catch a Sunrise at Picture Lake

Deming, Washington

4.7/5

based on 3 reviews

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Added by Kevin Monahan

Enjoy the scenic drive along the Mt. Baker Highway and get a great photo of Mr. Shuksan reflecting off this mirror-like lake. Get there early enough catch star trails and the Milk Way during a new moon before sunrise.

Set your eyes on one of the most photographic mountain landscapes in North America. You can drive up early for the sunrise, but really any time of day will be a treat.

In the spring, make sure to come when the lake isn't frozen over so you can get the full reflection of Mt. Shuksan on the water. Towards the end of summer and in the fall, alternatively, a backdrop of wildflowers and colorful plant foliage complements the stunning mountain.

If you also have time for a day hike, drive up to the end of the parking lot, past the ski lifts, to hike or snowshoe up to Artist Point!

Getting there: Give yourself about an hour and a half to drive from Bellingham. From Bellingham, drive north and take exit 255 (E Sunset Drive-Mt. Baker). Turn right onto Sunset Dr and continue straight onto WA-542 E. Drive along WA-542 E for about 21 miles, passing through 2 traffic circles. You will then come to a fork – veer right to stay on WA-542 E and drive for another 31 miles. Eventually, you will come across two parking lots in the Heather Meadows area, just past the Firs Lodge.

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Catch a Sunrise at Picture Lake Reviews

Katherine Haveman

Catch a Sunrise at Picture Lake

09/04/16

The views up on the Mt Baker highway are stunning as always, and Mt Shuksan dusted in snow is a sight to see! Just know that you will never be the only photographer trying to catch a sunrise picture, it is a very popular view to photograph.

4.0

Steven Luu

Catch a Sunrise at Picture Lake

08/31/16

If you can wake up early and endure the long-ish drive (we came from Seattle), the view is totally worth it. You virtually just park by the lake and walk in about 100ft. Sunrise photo: https://www.instagram.com/p/BJxrr22AeT6

5.0

Kyle Szegedi

Catch a Sunrise at Picture Lake

10/29/15

Picture lake is one of the most photographed spots in Washington and for good reason. Anytime i'm driving up to Mt. Baker I make a point to stop here. Try and plan your visit before the lake freezes in November so you get to see the reflection of Mt. Shuksan in the lake!

5.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Winter Backpack to Artist Point

You do need a Northwest Forest Pass to park in the lot overnight. You can buy a day use E-pass online here (pick Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest from the drop down menu) and print it out and it's ready to use. Or you can buy the annual pass here.The adventure to Artist Point begins in the Mt. Baker ski area. There is a lot of hustle and bustle in the ski area on weekends and busy days so...

Snowshoe to Huntoon Point

This strenuous but rewarding hike takes you first to Austin Pass, where there is a great view of Mount Shuksan. Look out for skiers and snowboarders heading the opposite direction as you start out.The second major push heads further up to Kulshan Ridge, leading first to Artist Point, then Huntoon Point, with beautiful views of Mount Shuksan, the Border Peaks, and Mt. Baker.The trailhead is loca...

Winter Backpack to Lake Anne Ridge

Arrive at the upper ski resort parking lot (approx. 4300 feet elev.) and snowshoe, skin, or split board up. Make your way toward Artist Point and halt at Austin Pass, gaining approximately 1200 feet of elevation over approximately 2 miles (one way). From Austin Pass, turn left (south) to take the Lake Anne trail and descend approximately 800 feet into the basin below.In the basin, you will see ...

Backcountry Skiing Near Mt. Baker

Park at Heather Meadows parking lot at Mount Baker Ski Resort and follow the Blueberry cat-track, which is actually a paved road in the summer, leading south up for 2 miles passing Austin Pass and continuing southwest on to Artist Point, gaining 1200 ft in elevation. From there, dig out your snow camping platform, pitch your tent, and then the rest of the day is left to explore. For a fun inter...

Winter Backpack in the Mt. Baker Backcountry

Arrive at the upper ski resort parking lot (approx. 4300 feet elev.) and snowshoe, skin, or split board up. Make your way toward Artist Point and eventually Huntoon Point, gaining approximately 1500 feet of elevation over approximately 3 miles (one way). Past Huntoon Point, there are several great spots to set up camp and prepare yourself for an epic sunset and sunrise between Mt. Baker and Mt....

Chain Lakes Loop

Driving Directions: Travel east on Mt. Baker Highway 542 to the road's end and the Mount Baker Ski area. Follow the signs to the upper parking lot and the Bagley Lakes/Chain Lakes trailhead. The trail can also be accessed from Austin Pass and Artist Point. Trail: From the Bagley Lakes trailhead, follow the trail to the Bagley Lakes and admire the crystal clear water with Table Mountain in...

Catch a Sunrise at Picture Lake

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Winter Backpack to Artist Point

Snowshoe to Huntoon Point

Winter Backpack to Lake Anne Ridge

Backcountry Skiing Near Mt. Baker

Winter Backpack in the Mt. Baker Backcountry

Chain Lakes Loop

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