Highway 542 [1] climbs along the beautiful Nooksack River Valley, gently at first, then in a series of steep switchbacks as you approach the terminus near the mountain. The road enters Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest just east of Glacier, where you’ll find the Glacier Public Service Center, along with a handful of businesses.
East from here to the end, the road is officially a National Forest Scenic Byway. Enjoy the finest views of Mt. Baker [2] at the end of paved Glacier Creek Road (Forest Road 39), which begins just east of Glacier and heads south for seven miles to a parking lot and trailhead at an elevation of almost 2,900 feet.
East of Glacier, the highway cruises through a wonderful stand of 700-year-old Douglas firs. Seven miles east of Glacier is the turnoff to impressive Nooksack Falls (one mile away along a gravel side road), a thundering cataract. As you wend your way eastward from here, you’ll find periodic views down the valley.
Around mileage marker 44 is a good-sized patch of impressive old-growth forest right along the highway, easily accessible with a brief hike. The road passes columnar volcanic rock just below the Mt. Baker Ski Area [3], where you can purchase snacks on summer weekends or full meals in the winter, and then circles famous Picture Lake.
Join the crowd for a photo of Mt. Shuksan rising behind the mirrored waters of this small lake. It’s one of Kodak’s favorite places in America.
Links:
[1] http://www.moon.com/destinations/washington/north-cascades/mount-baker/sights/mt-baker-highway
[2] http://www.moon.com/destinations/washington/north-cascades/mount-baker
[3] http://www.moon.com/destinations/washington/north-cascades/mount-baker/recreation/skiing