Recreation Region: Mt. Baker Ranger District

Table Mountain Trail 681

The dramatic andesite plateau of Table Mountain is one of the first mountains you see entering the Heather Meadows area. The hike starts at picturesque Artist Point. First gently gaining elevation then reaching a series of switchbacks blasted into the side of the cliff on the southeast face of Table Mountain. In less than a mile, you emerge onto the plateau of the mountaintop. On a clear day take in fantastic views of Mt. Baker, Mt. Shuksan and other magnificent peaks in the North Cascades. The trail heads west across the plateau, which enters Mt. Baker Wilderness, but does not provide a descent off the other side of the mountain; hikers must return the same way they came up. No pets are allowed on the Table Mountain Trail.

Washington Trails Association Hiking Guide and Trip Reports

Specific Trail Information

Trail Number

681

Trail Type

Standard/Terra Trail — A trail that has a surface consisting predominantly of the ground and that is designed and managed to accommodate use on that surface.

General Information

This trail is not recommended for people who are afraid of heights.

Please do not throw rocks over the sides of the mountain, there are many locations where there is a good chance of people being below but out of sight.

• Green Trails: Mt. Shusksan #14 and Mt. Baker Wilderness 13SX
• USGS: Shuksan Arm
• USFS: Mt. Baker Ranger District and Mt. Baker Wilderness

Late Summer - Fall

A valid Recreation Pass must be displayed in vehicles at Artist Point Trailhead. Washington State Discover Pass is not valid at US Fee Sites.

Camping allowed Nov. 16- May 14 and prohibited the rest of the year. In winter when the Mt. Baker Ski Area is in operation, a reservation and fee are required through the ski area for parking overnight.

There is no permit required for hiking.

No potable water. There are a few small tarns on top of Table Mountain that are not good water sources due to sedimentation. Pack all water.

Hikers only. No fires, except self-contained, carry-in stoves. No snowmobiles. No Dogs. Camping is not allowed on Table Mountain May 15-Nov. 15. Wilderness regulations apply in Mt Baker Wilderness.

It is required to keep food and scented items secure from wildlife by keeping a clean camp and store those items in your vehicle or use a product approved by the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee such as an ursack or wildlife resistant storage canister. You can also hang food and scented items at least 10 feet off the ground and 4 feet from the trunk and all branches if an appropriate tree is available, but there are no appropriate trees on Table Mountain.

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

Parking

Summer parking is at Artist Point.

Winter parking is at Bagley Lakes Trailhead.

Directions

From Glacier, travel east to the end of Mt. Baker Highway SR 542. It is approximately 24 miles from the Glacier Public Service Center to the Artist Point parking lot. The trail is accessed from the western side of the parking lot, opposite the bathrooms.