Artist Point Snowshoe — Sunday, Mar. 24, 2013

North Cascades > Mount Baker Area

This glorious and powdery day followed a week-long snowfall that undid the damage of the heavy rains the week before. A painful ridge wind disappeared early. Sunny, blue skies lit up the day. I could barely see the viewer on my camera. Splitfest was going on so we were not alone. This area has plenty of room for plenty of curious people so the crowds never felt crowded. We wandered from the parking lot, up the stiff grade to the ridge, and then out to Artist’s Point. Snowshoes, dogs, boarders, skiers, and even a jump shoot dotted the mountainside. Shuksan, Baker, Table, and the remaining three hundred and fifty-nine degrees of supreme awesomeness were in view. We headed northwest to Table Mountain to view more masters of the slope. Finally, we glissaded down the northern slope. The powder was deep enough to feel like bouncing from cloud to cloud. The valley walk back to the parking lot was well-marked and well-populated. The hardest part was leaving. Great directions for parking below. For best results, please triple check and know what to do with avalanche forecasts. Enjoy!