Picture Lake Path

Picture Lake is the centerpiece of a strikingly beautiful landscape in the Heather Meadows area. The classic alpine vista of Mt. Shuksan mirrored in Picture Lake is one of the most photographed mountain scenes in North America. A backdrop of mountains, wildflowers and colorful plant foliage make this a beautiful, universally accessible family hike.

You will find interpretive sign panels installed during the summer months. A paved viewpoint, a platform on the edge of the lake provides, and benches provide a resting spot.

This location is extremely popular. The plants here grow by the inch and die by the foot. Please do not contribute to vegetation damage. Stay on the paved path and boardwalks to take photos and enjoy the views.

Access information about accessible recreation opportunities in Pacific Northwest National Forests.

General Information

Maps:
• Green Trails: Mt. Shusksan #14
• USGS: Shuksan Arm
• USFS: Mt. Baker Ranger District and Mt. Baker Wilderness

Open year round. Path typically snow free July-October.

Open 24 hours/day

Entering or being on the lake is prohibited. This includes swimming, floating, boating, paddling, and pets.

Recreation Passes honored for day use fee payment: Digital Passes, Northwest Forest Pass, and Interagency Recreation Passes. Washington State Discover Pass is not valid at US Fee Sites.

Day Use:
$5 per vehicle per day
$30 per annual

Day use fee payment options: Scan & Pay on-site or display a valid Recreation Pass. 

*Suggestion: Download the recreation.gov app before your trip to have the ability to scan & pay digitally on-site.

Pets must be on a leash and are not allowed to enter the lake.

Front view of Glacier Public Services Center

Address: 10091 Mt. Baker Highway Glacier, WA 98244
Phone: (360) 599-2714
Hours: Open daily 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Getting There

Latitude / Longitude

Latitude: 48.86588333

Longitude: -121.6767278

Elevation

4,100 feet

Directions

From the Glacier Public Service Center, travel east on Mt. Baker Highway 542 for 21 miles. The parking area is located just past the Firs Lodge along the left side of the road on the north side of Picture Lake.

Travel Considerations

Picture Lake is accessible in a vehicle year-round, but the lake is not always visible. It is snow covered in winter and the snow on the lake can last into June. During winter months the snow is very deep and the trail may be covered by multiple feet of snow. All vehicles must carry chains November 15-April 1.

Parking

Parking is roadside along the lake. There are four different entrance points to the path.

Facility and Amenity Information

Restrooms

Vault toilets are available at Bagley Lakes Trailhead year round. Vault toilets at Heather Meadows Visitor Center and Artist Point are available during summer only.