Artist Point Snowshoe, Artist Ridge - Huntoon Point & Huntoon Point Snowshoe — Saturday, Nov. 29, 2003

North Cascades > Mount Baker Area

Robin, Mitch and I headed up Friday Nov. 28th for three days of fun in the snow staying at the Mountaineers Baker Lodge. When we arrived about 1 p.m. it was snowing hard with the wind blowing like mad. Your face felt like it was being sand blasted. After moving our gear into the lodge and having lunch, it was time to head outside and face all that Mother Nature could throw at us. We did an hour walk up by the ski area before going back for the warmth of the lodge stove. Saturday-Nov. 29th was some what better weather wise, the wind had died down a little, the snow was letting up, but the area became fogged in to where some times your couldn't see 50 feet in the white out. After bagging the idea of going to Artist Point, we decide to snowshoe around Bagley Lakes, which are now frozen over and covered in several feet of snow. We did find a spot for lunch in the trees above the bigger lake to get out of the wind. Then it was back to the lodge for dinner and games. As the sun was setting, the sky cleared and we saw the alpine glow on Mt. Shuksan. Sunday-Nov. 30th proved to be a great day. Clear blue skies, no clouds or wind. After breakfast we headed for Artist Point for some scenic snowshoeing. There were a few other snowshoers out, as well as back country skiers. The snow is already deep at the Artist Point parking lot. The restroom is almost buried with just the top of the roof sticking out. This area is already 74% above the normal snowfall for this time of year. After taking some photos, we snowshoed over to Huntoon Point for more great views. Lots of snowcapped peaks to see in all directions from Baker to Shuksan, to American Border Peak. After a bite to eat and more photos, it was time to head back down after another great snow day in the Cascades. If you have not been to Artist Point in the winter, put on those snowshoes and just do it. You'll be happy you did.