Lake Ann Trail Guide - Mount Baker Highway

⚠ Essential Restrictions
• Camping prohibited within 2 miles of trailhead (May 15 - Nov 14)
• Pack out ALL waste including human waste - no catholes permitted
• Blue waste bags available at Glacier Public Service Center
• Late season access - snow lingers into August

Approach to Trailhead

Motor Route from Interstate 5

Departure: Exit 255 from I-5 North
Primary Route: Highway 542 East through Acme, Deming, and Glacier
Services: Glacier Public Service Center (10091 Mt. Baker Highway) for permits and blue bags
Final Approach: Continue 23 miles past Glacier on Highway 542
Trailhead: Lake Ann parking lot on LEFT side of highway, 1 mile before Artist Point
Parking: Capacity ~25 vehicles; roadside overflow available

Road Conditions: Highway 542 to Artist Point typically closed October through June. Check Washington State Department of Transportation for current status. Paved access throughout.

Trail Profile & Topography

Route Elevation & Key Landmarks

Navigation Waypoints

0.0 Miles — Trailhead (4,700 ft) Commencement: Well-marked trail from parking area. Information kiosk at 200 yards. Descend through switchbacks in subalpine forest.

0.2 Miles — Wilderness Boundary Mt. Baker Wilderness: Registration kiosk. Continue descending through dense coniferous forest via switchbacks.

1.0 Mile — Alpine Basin Vista Opens: Trail emerges to alpine basin. Swift Creek headwaters visible. Mount Shuksan across basin, Shuksan Arm to north.

2.0 Miles — Valley Floor (3,900 ft) Lowest Elevation: Level terrain through boulder fields, wildflower meadows, and clear streams. Rocky, root-filled sections.

2.5 Miles — Swift Creek Junction Trail Intersection: Signed junction with Swift Creek Trail #607. Privy nearby. Begin ascent through subalpine forest. Mount Baker views commence.

3.5 Miles — Treeline Emergence Vista Returns: Forest breaks. Views back to Artist Point and starting position. Spectacular Baker views. Ascend talus slopes and heather meadows.

4.0 Miles — Final Approach Saddle Ascent: Listen for pikas and marmots. Abundant wildflowers. Baker views recede as Shuksan dominates. Potential snowfields until August.

4.1 Miles — Saddle Above Lake Ann (4,900 ft) Primary Destination: Intimate views of Mount Shuksan's west face and Fisher Chimney. Lake Ann below. Unsigned junction: right to lake and camping, left toward Curtis Glacier.

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Camping Locations

Primary Camp — Lake Ann Basin Position: Lake Ann vicinity, via right fork at saddle
Elevation: 4,800 feet
Distance: 4.1 miles from trailhead
Features: Direct views of Mount Shuksan and Lower Curtis Glacier
Water Source: Lake (requires filtration/purification)
Notes: Popular location. Maintain 200 feet from water. Pack out all waste.

Alternative Camp — Curtis Glacier Approach Position: Beyond Lake Ann toward Lower Curtis Glacier
Distance: 4.6 miles from trailhead (0.5 miles past Lake Ann)
Features: Baker Lake views, enters North Cascades National Park
Permit Required: Free backcountry permit from Glacier Public Service Center (June-Sept) or (360) 854-7245
Character: More remote, fewer visitors

Backpacking Requirements:
• Backcountry permit for North Cascades National Park sections
• Water filtration system
• Food storage (bear canister recommended)
• Cold weather sleeping system
• Human waste disposal bags
• Early departure advisable for campsite availability

Pre-Departure Preparations

Essential Verifications:

Highway 542 seasonal closure status
Current weather conditions and forecast
Recreation Pass requirement (mandatory at trailhead)
Trail condition updates from Glacier Public Service Center

Glacier Public Service Center:

Location: 10091 Mt. Baker Highway, Glacier, WA
Hours: Friday-Sunday 8:00-4:30; Thursday 8:00-4:30 (limited services)
Services: Blue waste bags, backcountry permits, current conditions

Recommended Equipment:

Robust hiking footwear (rocky, uneven terrain)
Layered clothing system for alpine conditions
3+ liters water capacity plus filtration
Navigation backup (compass, offline maps)
Emergency shelter and comprehensive first aid
Illumination with backup power

Wildlife Precautions: Black bears common in area. Secure all food and aromatic items. Mountain goats and marmots also present. Maintain respectful distance from all wildlife.

Expedition Wisdom:
• Dawn departure (7:00 AM) recommended for solitude and cooler conditions
• Trekking poles valuable on steep, loose terrain
• Exercise caution on descent - loose rock prevalent
• Saddle viewpoint is the true reward - linger here
• Consider Fisher Chimney viewpoint if comfortable with exposure
• Stream crossings likely - pack extra socks
• Late summer blueberry abundance