Artist Ridge - Huntoon Point, Artist Point Snowshoe — Saturday, Feb. 22, 2003

North Cascades > Mount Baker Area

Super K and I had been hoping for the perfect day to experience Artist Ridge on snowshoes.....and since the weather man forecast good weather we left the city behind before the sun came up. Hoping to avoid some of the skier traffic on the road to Baker ski area. We arrived to a picture postcard day.....bright sunshine, crystal clear skies....a day for sunscreen and sun glasses. The road to Baker ski area was clear but a bit frosty in the morning. The trail on the Austin Pass access road heading southwest from the ski area parking lot is easy to follow....beware of flying boarders! When Super K and I hit the trail into the backcountry area there was still soft fresh snow on a firm snow pack....absolutely perfect for a fun day in the snow. When we reached Artist Ridge we had spectacular views of Mount Baker and Shuksun...and beyond! For most of the hike we were in mid weight fleece. Stopping to pull on wind breakers when we were on the ridge and while we were stopped for lunch. We continued our climb to the top of Hontoon Point for the 360 degree views. Wow!!! We felt guilty experiencing so much beauty after such an easy climb. It was a perfect day!