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![[Photo]: Heather Meadows Visitor Center](/Internet/FSE_MEDIA/fsbdev7_001217.jpg)
Heather and huckleberry meadows dot the majestic landscape at Heather Meadows near the eastern end of the Mount Baker Scenic Byway, Washington State Route 542.
Glistening lakes nestle between knolls. Ridges bristle with 900-year-old mountain hemlock. Even the rocks catch the eye. Lava flows from Mount Baker have resisted glacial carving and columns of andesite stand like black anvils against the sky.
Interpretive signs along the Picture Lake, Fire and Ice and Artist Ridge Trails enhance the story behind this spectacular scenery.
The historical Heather Meadows Visitor Center exhibits offer a glimpse into the area’s colorful cultural history.
The center and area trails are open during the summer season after accumulated winter snows melt out.
During winter months snow-covered slopes offer opportunities for skiing and snowboarding at the popular Mt. Baker Ski Area located in Heather Meadows. Snow-covered trails outside of the ski area boundaries are not marked or maintained or controlled for avalanches.
For information about accessible recreation opportunities in Pacific Northwest National Forests, visit http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/r6/accessiblerecreation
At a Glance
| Fees: | $5/vehicle/day during summer months. No day use charge in winter. |
|---|---|
| Best Season: | Summer / Fall |
| Restrictions: | Hikers only, no camping, no fires, dogs must be on a leash. |
| Closest Towns: | Glacier, Washington |
| Passes: | Recreation Passes may be used as a form of fee payment. |
| Information Center: | Call the Mt. Baker Ranger District at 360-856-5700 or the Glacier Public Service Center at 360-599-2714. |
General Information
Directions:From Glacier, travel east on Mt. Baker Highway 542 for 23.0 miles to Heather Meadows.
Accessibility:
See video
Activities
Day Hiking
Recreation areas with activity Day Hiking:- Artist Ridge Trail #669
- Bagley Lakes Trail #684.1
- Bagley Lakes Trailhead
- Chain Lakes Trail #682
- Fire and Ice Trail #684.2
- Fire and Ice Trailhead
- Lake Ann Trail #600
- Lake Ann Trailhead
- Picture Lake Path
- Picture Lake Path Trailhead
- Ptarmigan Ridge Trail #682.1
- Table Mountain Trail #681
- Wild Goose Trail #684.3
Backpacking
Recreation areas with activity Backpacking:- Chain Lakes Trail #682
- Lake Ann Trail #600
- Lake Ann Trailhead
- Picture Lake Path
- Ptarmigan Ridge Trail #682.1
Viewing Wildlife
Recreation areas with activity Viewing Wildlife:- Artist Ridge Trail #669
- Austin Pass Picnic Area
- Bagley Lakes Trail #684.1
- Chain Lakes Trail #682
- Fire and Ice Trail #684.2
- Lake Ann Trail #600
- Picture Lake Path
- Ptarmigan Ridge Trail #682.1
- Table Mountain Trail #681
- Wild Goose Trail #684.3
Viewing Plants
Recreation areas with activity Viewing Plants:- Artist Ridge Trail #669
- Austin Pass Picnic Area
- Bagley Lakes Trail #684.1
- Chain Lakes Trail #682
- Fire and Ice Trail #684.2
- Lake Ann Trail #600
- Picture Lake Path
- Ptarmigan Ridge Trail #682.1
- Table Mountain Trail #681
- Wild Goose Trail #684.3
Viewing Scenery
Recreation areas with activity Viewing Scenery:- Artist Ridge Trail #669
- Austin Pass Picnic Area
- Bagley Lakes Trail #684.1
- Chain Lakes Trail #682
- Fire and Ice Trail #684.2
- Lake Ann Trail #600
- Picture Lake Path
- Ptarmigan Ridge Trail #682.1
- Table Mountain Trail #681
- Wild Goose Trail #684.3
Interpretive Areas
Recreation areas with activity Interpretive Areas:- Artist Ridge Trail #669
- Austin Pass Picnic Area
- Fire and Ice Trail #684.2
- Fire and Ice Trailhead
- Picture Lake Path
Skiing/Snowboarding
Recreation areas with activity Skiing/Snowboarding:General Info:
Safety InformationSeasonal Information
Snow covered routes in Heather Meadows are not marked or maintained. This area is not controlled for avalanches outside of the Mt. Baker Ski Area boundaries.