Artist Ridge, Artist Point (Snowshoe)
Feb 20, 2009
by
Jon Lee
—
last modified
Feb 23, 2009 10:10 AM
- Type of Outing
- Snowshoe/XC Ski
- Read More in our Hiking Guide
- Hike: Artist Ridge - Huntoon Point
- Region: North Cascades -- Mount Baker Highway
- Agency: Mt. Baker - Snoqualmie National Forest - Mt. Baker District
- Trails: Artist Ridge (#669)
- Avg Rating: 2.80
- Read More in our Hiking Guide
- Hike: Artist Point Snowshoe
- Region: North Cascades -- Mount Baker Highway
- Agency: Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Mount Baker Ranger District
- Avg Rating: 4.29
- Be Aware Of
- Snow on trail
Kulshan Ridge. (Photo by Jon Lee)
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.
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.
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