Picture Lake Path Information
Picture Lake Path
Location: Washington State’s Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, USA
Rating: Easy hiking difficulty
Length: 0.4 miles
Elevation Gain: 6 feet
Points of Interest: Picture Lake, beautiful flora and fauna.
Weather: Due to the large amount of snow this trail receives in the winter, the trail is a seasonal one. June to September are the best times to visit.
Access: Northwest Forest Pass needed, leashed dogs permitted.
Picture Lake Path is a 0.4 miles long looping trail and has an elevation gain of 6 feet. Located in Washington State’s Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, USA, the trail has a lush forest that provides an array of flora and fauna. The trail is rated an easy hiking difficulty, making it suitable for all hikers and leashed dogs are welcome. To enter, a Northwest Forest Pass is required. The Snow during the winter makes the trail a seasonal one, with the best time to visit being the spring or summer.
Adjacent to the legendary Mt. Baker in Washington State lies an enchanting trail called Picture Lake Path. You may have seen pictures of the trail before, as it is currently one of the most photographed natural locations in all of the United States.
With incredible views of the sturdy protective Mt. Shuksan juxtaposed with delicate wildflowers and elderberries, it is sure to be an unforgettable sight. The looping trail is 0.4 miles, with a friendly elevation gain of 6 feet, making it the perfect trail for hikers that are not looking for a strenuous outing. Due to the flat and short nature of the path, visitors with mobility challenges are also welcome. The loop includes educational signage providing hikers with knowledge about the trail and its surrounding areas. The loop is positioned around a large dazzling lake that beams with enchanting beauty. Almost like a sheet of glass, the surface of the lake remains ever so captivatingly still. Like a flawless mirror, the lake reflects the nearby forests and displays the subalpine fir and mountain hemlock making the area an ideal photo subject. Picture Lake Pathl lives up to its name for photographers, but it is also a fantastic destination for other recreational activities like picnicking, stone skipping, and of course, hiking.
Remember, you’ll need a Northwest Forest Pass to be able to hike this trail. Picture Lake Path is easily accessible from the nearby town of Glacier WA. To get to Picture Lake from Glacier, you’ll need to travel east on Mt. Baker Highway 542 for 21 miles. You will find the parking area situated past the Firs Lodge on the left side of the road, on the north side of Picture Lake.