You can’t live in Bellingham or visit Whatcom County for long and not hear the term 542 or Mt. Baker Highway. The Mt. Baker Highway, state highway number 542 is Bellingham’s gateway to the majestic Mt. Baker. Mt. Baker is treasured by local residents and visitors alike for it’s stunning snow capped beauty, world class ski slops and unbelievable hiking opportunities. But, not only is Mt. Baker amazing, so it the historic drive up the highway, the sites, trails, businesses and views along the way.
As you leave Bellingham headed East on the the Mt. Baker Highway you travel over the Nooksack River, through the foothills communities of Deming, Kendall, Maple Falls and Glacier. Along the way you will pass the unique Northfork Beer Shrine/Wedding Chapel, vineyards, a variety of restaurants, lodging, a casino and miles of scenic trails through National Forest lands.
The final 24 miles of the highway are designated a U.S. National Forest National Scenic Byway, starting just after the town of Glacier to Artist Point above the ski area. Along the way, at milepost 52 is the Mt. Baker Ski Area, offering skiers and snowboarders some of the finest terrain and the best snow conditions in the west. Mt. Baker is know world wide for it’s natural half pipe and the legendary Banked Slalom Snowboard competition.
If you are not lucky enough to drive the Highway yourself check out our Mt. Baker Highway virtual tour below to see some of the beauty for yourself.
Mt Baker highway is a only a short 57 miles but packed into that 57 miles is something for everyone. A trip along The Mt Baker Highway could include a stop by the Mt Baker Winery’s tasting room, views of the Nooksack River as it makes it’s winds it’s way through the Cascades, a stop at Everybody’s Store for lunch, a side trip to Nooksack Falls, the thrill of Deming Speedway and of course a Photo Op of Mt Baker, Mt Shuksan & Picture Lake.
If you are thinking this is an area you might like to call home there are many real estate opportunities and homes for sale in Eastern Whatcom County and the foothill communities of Deming, Kendall, Acme and Glacier. Feel free to visit our real estate map search to search for homes or properties that may fit your needs.
