Hiked up from the Mt. Baker Ski Area (Heather Meadows) to Artist Point and then out along Kulshan Ridge to Huntoon Point. This was my first time snowshoeing, and it was a blast. Was so excited about going, I woke up several times in the middle of the night to see if it was time to go yet. When I finally did wake up, it took longer than I expected to get my gear together and eat breakfast, so I didn't get out of my city-of-residence until 8:30. Made it to the parking lot by 11:00. Road up to Baker was clear and dry. Strapped on the snowshoes and my bulging "ready-for-anything-because-I'm-heading-out-solo-in-winter-on-snowshoes-for-the-first-time-ever backpack, and started towards Artist Point. The sun was out, the snow was perfect (maybe a tad icy on the way up), and the views got better with each footstep. Gosh! I could not help but repeatedly making loud vocalizations, including "THIS IS AWESOME!" and "SNOWSHOEING ROCKS!!!!!!"
Following the directions in Dan Nelson's excellent "Snowshoe Routes: Washington", and clicking my camera all the way, I quickly reached Artist Point. Took a left and struck out along Kulshan Ridge, watching the skiers and snowboarders who had hiked up to the ridge play, and sucking in the views of Baker and Shuskan every step of the way. Made it out to Huntoon Point and ate lunch and drank hot chocolate there. Didn't particularly want to leave, but finally was able to pry myself away. Headed back towards the car at about 1:15. By this time I did notice some softening in the snow on the sun-beaten SW side of the ridge.
A couple of notes:
  - If you haven't snowshoed before, do it.
  - Views are incredible...yes, the drive to Mt. Baker is worth it.
  - Next sunny day, go to Artist Point.

Wanted to do this snowshoe hike for a long while. But gas prices and low clouds did not make this long trip worthwhile until now. The local weather looked good so I took a chance and made the 2 ½ road trip. I was surprised how clear the Mt Baker highway was all the way to the ski parking lots. Check http://wsdot.wa.gov/[…]/PassInformation.aspx#baker for road conditions. When I got to the parking lot, Mt Shuksan was out but Mt Baker was not :-( But there was lots of fresh powder to frolick. There are many boot/snowshoe/ski trails to Artist Point. Choose your trail but be careful that you do not follow the trails to Bagley Lakes which is one favorite of the backcountry skiers and you’ll end up a few hundred feet too low. Also be careful to stay to the right of the ski area where high speed snowboarders are coming down the groomed road. By roughly following the summer trail, you can shortcut the switchbacks of the summer road and climbing a few slopes. After about 2 miles, you will see a flat spot where the Artist Point parking lot is under 8ft of snow. You can continue eastward along the Kulshan Ridge. Lots of snow with only a few man made trails and you can watch the backcountry skiers below.

The road up to the Mt. Baker Ski Area was clear and it was not until you got to the ski area that the snow started. The road to Artist Point was covered in packed snow and in some spots the road was still exposed. But, there was plenty of snow to snowshoe around Artist Point and we even managed to make it up Table Mountain via the hiking trail. There was just enough snow to snowshoe up the mountain but probably in the next snow it will be impassable via the hiking trail.

The weather was overcast and foggy when we started and we thought we would not get any views. Much to our happiness, the weather cleared once we were on top of Table Mountain and views of Mt. Baker and especially Mt. Shuksan were incredible. A great day to be outside!