Headed up to Baker area to enjoy the last of the great weather before the storms. A long and tiring drive on ice/compacted snow on I-5, but 542 was virtually clear the entire distance. Gorgeous snow and ice hung on everything, making the drive up great. 10-15 feet of snow in the area, with low-moderate avalanche danger that day. The ridge was cold, especially with the wind, though a few sheltered areas were to be found. Many picture opps along the way of beautiful Shuksan/Baker. Lots of areas to roam, or stick to the groomed cat track (watch out for skiers and snowboarders)--tromps down the short, steep ledges were fun, but check avalanche conditions first. Worth the long drive up on a clear day!

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.

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!

The weather was excellent, the snow firm, the upper portion of the ski area was closed, the avalanche danger was minimal, the outing was perfect! Well, except for the vicious sunburn I got on all exposed skin, including the undersides of my nose, chin, eyebrow ridges, etc., from the reflected sunlight. Bring dark sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen if the sun is out. Artist Point is a must-see destination. The path up to it is very steep in places, with no definitive route to follow. I stayed to the left after leaving the ""road"", reaching the ridge top to the east and downhill from Artist Point. I then wandered up to the point through basins and hillocks of untrammeled snow. As steep as my route seemed, when I started to return by the more-used route, I found it to be even worse, so I contoured over to the east again to finish the upper portion of the descent. There were long stretches of the day when I saw or heard no one. I have never experienced such absolute silence before. It was uncanny. Mount Baker and Mount Shuksan were amazing and seemed close enough to touch. There are also endless vistas of far-off peaks. This trip was definitely worth the three-hour drive each way.

Saw the weather was supposed to be super on this late winter Sunday, and that avalanche conditions were going to be minimal, my girlfriend and I headed up to Mt. Baker Ski area for a fun day of snowshoeing. Conditions were perfect: firm icy snow for the most part with three or four inches of recent powder on top. The initial part of the hike is from the upper ski area parking lot and right up the ski run to Austin Pass. From here a well defined snowshoe trail leads up the broad ridge for a ways then into steeper terrain cutting off the road's switchback to more moderate terrain leading to Artist Ridge. From here both Mt. Baker and Shuksan are absolutely huge and plastered with new snow and ice shimmering in the sun. VERY cold and somewhat breezy up there although relatively comfortable in the sun at the ski area.