Artist Point Snowshoe, Artist Ridge - Huntoon Point — Thursday, Dec. 31, 2015

North Cascades > Mount Baker Area

Wow. Just WOW. I've been wanting to get up here for the past couple of years and finally saw my chance with this awesome combo of lots of snowfall and a bluebird day (never mind that I was supposed to go to work). We left Seattle around 8:45 and were at the trailhead and strapping on our snowshoes three hours later. We accidentally went down to the right of the toilets at the outset and went about 1/4 mile before I realized we weren't on the right track, but that was a beautiful excursion in that side valley so totally worth it. We aimed up to our left and straight up the hill to meet up with the last cabin and then join the trail as it heads up the ridge and follows the ski area boundary. There were quite a number of people out, as expected. Lots of snowshoers and cross-country skiers. There have been a lot of visitors since the last snowfall so the trail was pretty well packed down in a number of places. Avalanche danger was moderate but a lot of folks heading up via the road. Once we got up to Artist Point we saw a group putting up their tent and immediately regretted our decision to make this a day hike instead of an overnight. We continued on to Huntoon Point and found a packed down spot in the sun to spend several hours basking in. We snacked, we had tea and whiskey, we sunbathed, and there may even have been some napping. Just a stunningly sunny and quiet day up top. Once the sun got lower towards Baker we layered up in preparation for the drop that would come when it dipped behind the mountain, packed our things together and got situated for sunset. We saw two other groups set up their tents for the night at the end of the point and were again insanely jealous. Great group of folks and happy to have spent some time chatting with them (wish we could have stayed for the fondue!). The color on Shuksan was ever-changing and the light was just glorious. Once the colors started to die down and the light began to fade, we knew we had to pull ourselves away. We got about half-way down before we needed to pull out our headlamps for the descent. Beautiful night, beautiful stars. If you have time over the next few days while this weather holds, GO! One of the most amazing vistas in WA, for sure. And don't be dummies like us and forget the tent. Happy New Year, WTA!! *Also note that 542 is down to one lane due to what looks like a wash out of the other lane... Be prepared to add about 20 minutes to your drive for this construction. Over all the roads were clear and not snowy or icy.