Baker Lake Trail

Mount Baker Area accessed from Hwy 20. We'll work on some annual maintenance of this popular year-round destination. Join us at this beautiful spot for some brushing and retreading.

Because of its low elevation and level grade, the Baker Lake Trail makes a wonderful family hike all seasons of the year. Stands of giant old growth timber are a highlight of this area. The trail begins in a majestic stand of Douglas fir, which grew up following an 1843 forest fire caused by a small eruption of Mt. Baker. One can still see the burned out snags of the virgin cedar trees that once dominated the area. The trail contours above the eastern shoreline of Baker Lake offering glimpses of Mt. Baker with Baker Lake in the foreground. All along the trail one can find many of the area's common forest flowers such as western trillium, twinflower, foamflower, coralroot and twisted stalk. At 1.8 miles, a spur takes off to the left to Anderson Point. The spur trail leads for .25 mile to the edge of Baker Lake and several camping sites. Continuing on the main trail 2 more miles, another spur trail takes off on the left, which leads .3 mile to Maple Grove Camp. The campground, which is used by boaters and hikers, offers 6 tent sites. No potable water is available at Maple Grove. Baker Lake Trail continues another 6 miles, passing possible campsites at Silver Creek, until it reaches the junction with Noisy Creek. Turn left to access campsites at the mouth of Noisy Creek, or right to hike the Noisy Creek Trail. Continuing straight on Baker Lake Trail, in approximately 3 more miles the trail crosses Hidden Creek on a footbridge and drops down to follow the Baker River to the trail's end at its intersection with Baker River Trail.

Driving directions:
From Seattle drive north on I-5 and just north of Mount Vernon take exit 230 onto the North Cascades Highway, which is Highway 20. Take Highway 20 E to just past mile marker 82. Take a left on to Baker Lake Road. Follow that 14.1 miles to Baker Dam Road and take a right. It's a new road just across the new bridge over the creek. Follow Baker Dam Road past the campground and across the dam to the South Baker Lake Trailhead, 3.1 miles. Trailhead is on the left, 1.1 miles after the road turns to gravel just past the dam. (Driving time from Seattle: approximately 2.5 hours).