Magnificent old growth forests, stellar views of Mount Baker, turbulent tributaries,and a beautiful lake
Magnificent old growth forests, stellar views of Mount Baker, turbulent tributaries,and, of course, a beautiful lake make this trail a great path to travel.
With two access points and multiple campsites, the full 14-mile Baker Lake Trail offers a remarkable wilderness experience for hikers of all ages and abilities. The trail can accommodate a range of hiking interests, from short day hikes to over night backpacking excursions. And thanks to the trail’s low elevation, it is accessible even when most other Cascadian trails are buried under snow.
The trail flanks the eastern edge of Baker Lake, created by the 1959 damming of the Baker River. Starting from either the north or south trail head, hikers will encounter a forest of maturing Douglas firs. Cedar used to dominate, but the 1843 eruption of Mount Baker triggered a forest fire, reducing the old-growth cedars to burnt snags.
Cedar remains among the towering firs provide evidence of this historical event. Along the trail, foliage, fungus, lichen and moss never fail to impress. Mushrooms dot the forest floor allowing hikers to forage for fabulous fungus as they traipse through the woods, and the towering trees draped with old man’s beard provide shelter from the drizzly mist that accompanies most winter hikes in the Northwest.
The visuals to be seen around the mountain are completely stellar, and here are just a few of those beautiful vantage points: