Pets allowed
Allowed with Restrictions
Elevation Gain
229.00 ft (69.80 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
1.10 mi (1.77 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

The Artist Ridge Trail is a short but simply stunning hike on the edge of the Mount Baker Wilderness area in northern Washington. You won’t find much solitude along this trail, as this area is extremely popular. The views are second to none however, and well worth it.

Begin from the large parking lot at Artist Point Trailhead, then find the Artist Ridge Trail that leads generally southeast, straight toward looming Mount Shuksan.

The views are stunning along the entirety of the hike. Mount Baker and Shuksan of course dominate the skyline, but the sounding views down to Baker Lake and other mountain peaks are also spectacular.

At the end of the hike you’ll come to 2 small ponds. This is a photographer’s dream location, with evening light illuminating Mount Shuksan and a beautiful reflection in the water.

While you explore this area be sure to hike up to the small summit at Huntoon Point for views back toward Mount Baker.

After enjoying the area return the way you came back to the parking lot.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Summer
Fall

Congestion

High

Parking Pass

NW Forest Pass

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Stunning views along the entire trail.

Cons

Extremely popular.

Trailhead Elevation

5,079.00 ft (1,548.08 m)

Highest point

5,257.00 ft (1,602.33 m)

Features

Vault toilet
Near lake or river
Glacier
Backcountry camping
Wildlife
Family friendly
Big vistas
Geologically significant
Bird watching

Typically multi-day

No

Permit required

No

Location

Nearby Adventures

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest

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