While Mount Baker is known for its breathtaking views, snow capped peaks, and world class skiing, this isn’t all that the mountain has to offer. In fact, the area around Mount Baker is home to a huge number of gorgeous lakes, rivers, and water features. Here are just a few of them!
Picture Lake is the picture of alpine serenity. All year round the water is mirror smooth and reflects the stunning sights that surround it such as the imposing peak of Mount Baker itself. In the summertime, a tapestry of wildflowers grow around the lake, and in the winter, the snow gives the lake an ethereal quality that is hard to find anywhere else.
Lake Ann is a great lake for all those adventure seekers among us. While it is off the beaten path, this is one of its greatest features. It lies near the end of the creatively named Lake Ann Trail which is about a two hour hike to finish, but the hike itself is exceptional. The path meanders across streams and through absolutely gorgeous alpine scenery. The hike itself is stunning enough to convince you to go, but once you reach the lake you discover the real treat. Lake Ann is a rocky mountainous lake full of crystal clear water and surrounded on all sides by the most ruggedly beautiful terrain that you will ever see.
Perched at over 5,200 feet, Twin Lakes offers an unforgettable high-altitude experience. While the rugged forest road leading to the trailhead requires a sturdy vehicle, the payoff is well worth it. The shimmering waters of the two lakes are surrounded by wildflower meadows, and the nearby Winchester Mountain Lookout hike offers panoramic views of the entire Mount Baker area.
Baker Lake was once a much smaller, naturally occurring lake, formed by runoff from Mount Baker’s glaciers. It was then dammed for hydroelectric power which grew it to the size that it is today. Baker Lake stretches around 10 miles and is an amazing spot for boating, fishing, and hiking. The surrounding trails offer hikers serene views of the water against the backdrop of the North Cascades Mountains. On clear days, Mount Baker itself makes an impromptu appearance, reflecting off the lake’s surface.
The trail to Bagley Lakes is truly lovely. It is a gentle, well-maintained path that meanders through a lush alpine valley, and commonly intersects with Bagley Creek. At around 2 miles round trip, it’s perfect for hikers of lower skill levels and those who just want to have a relaxing walk. If you come in the summer, you’ll hear the soothing sounds of the cascading creek and see bursts of wildflowers blanketing the meadows.
From lush valley basins, to rugged mountain waters, the lakes of Mount Baker are as varied as they are beautiful. So pack a camera and a pair of swimming trunks and make your way to your next aquatic alpine adventure!