The Mount Baker Highway (State Route 542), which leads to the scenic Artist Point northeast of Bellingham, is fully open to traffic. This 2.7-mile stretch, known for panoramic views of Mount Shuksan and Mount Baker, is typically closed from October through June due to deep snow. This year the road was closed on Oct. 15, and crews cleared nearly 6 meters (20 feet) of snow to prepare the route — removed debris, installed signs, and applied striping. The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) warns drivers that maintenance work may occur on the highway throughout the season.
This is great news for hikers, especially with summer temperatures returning after a short period of rain. Slightly to the south, in the same mountain range, the North Cascades Highway will also fully reopen on June 19 after repairs following a December washout and a March rockfall. Travelers can track road conditions and closures via the WSDOT mobile app, the pass page, the interactive map, or by signing up for email alerts.
Based on: WA’s Mount Baker Highway to Artist Point reopens to traffic