Photos from hikes and sights along Mount Baker Highway 542 in the North Cascades mountain range, Washington, USA: The attractive volcanic cone of Mount Baker rises to 10,781 feet elevation. In late afternoon, don't miss Mt. Shuksan reflections where Highway 542 splits into a one way loop around Picture Lake and Highwood Lake in Heather Meadows Recreation Area. Picture Lake (located in Heather Meadows, Mount Baker - Snoqualmie National Forest) beautifully reflects Mount Shuksan (9127 feet elevation in North Cascades National Park). For a special treat, visit at peak fall foliage color season in early October.
One of Washington's most rewarding hikes is Galena Chain Lakes Loop Trail in Heather Meadows, best from late July through early October. See stunning views of Mount Shuksan, Mount Baker and pretty lakes. To hike a shorter version, drive from Bellingham to the end of Mount Baker Highway 542. At Artist Point parking lot, start a 6 mile out and back walk to Chain Lakes (or 3 miles round trip to the Ptarmigan Ridge turnoff, or 2.5 miles round trip to the top of Table Mountain). Even better, hike the 9 mile Chain Lakes Loop Trail counterclockwise starting from Austin Pass Visitors Center or the Ski Area parking lot at Bagley Lakes in Heather Meadows Recreation Area, visiting Bagley Lakes, Herman Saddle, Chain Lakes (Iceberg Lake, Hayes Lake, Mazama Lake), and Artist Point.
Near Glacier Public Service Center, Skyline Divide trail is very scenic. 5 miles east of Glacier is Church Mountain trail (8.5 miles round trip with 3800 feet gain) in Mount Baker - Snoqualmie National Forest. Excelsior Pass is the next hike east (off of Highway 542) in Mount Baker Wilderness. Further east, hike Hannegan Peak 10 miles round trip with 3100 feet elevation gain.