Lake Ann Trail #600 - Bellingham, WA

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Lake Ann Trail #600


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Beginning at Austin Pass, the Lake Ann Trail enters the Mt. Baker Wilderness as it switchbacks down into the headwaters of the Swift Creek Drainage. The trail travels through meadows and wooded areas while bordered by Shuksan Arm to the north and Artist Ridge to the south. In approximately 2.5 miles, pass the unsigned junction with Swift Creek Trail #607 on the right. As the trail begins to climb out of the Swift Creek drainage through heather, talus slopes and subalpine forest, Mt Baker comes into view. The trail then reaches a saddle above Lake Ann. Dropping down toward the lake, an unsigned junction is encountered. The left fork leads to the popular Fisher Chimney route for climbers attempting to summit Mt. Shuksan. The right fork leads to lakeside campsites. Lake Ann hikers are rewarded with up-close view of Mt. Shuksan and its Lower and Upper Curtis Glaciers. Listen for the thunderous roar that means a chunk of ice has broken off one of the glaciers and is tumbling down the rock face. Snow can remain late into the summer. Hikers should use caution when crossing snow slopes and be aware of cornices that form above the trail. Lake Ann will often remain frozen late into summer. Hikers should use caution when approaching the Lake Ann shoreline and never walk on the ice. During periods of heavy runoff from snow and rain, Swift Creek crossings can be challenging. If entering the North Cascades National Park Service Complex overnight, a free backcountry permit is required. Fires are prohibited; campers must use backcountry stoves for cooking. In keeping with wilderness regulations, party size is limited to 12. This trail is 4.1 miles one way and is considered to be more difficult.

Facilities: There are no facilities provided at Lake Ann Trail #600.

Reservations: Reservations are not needed or accepted for Lake Ann Trail #600.

Best Time To Visit: Lake Ann Trail #600 is open summer and fall.

Fees: No fees are charged, but a Northwest Forest Pass is required for each vehicle parked at the trailhead.

Accessibility: This trail is not handicap accessible.

Rules: Do not litter.

Directions: To reach Lake Ann Trail #600 from Bellingham, start out going northeast on J Street toward Ellsworth Street for 0.1 miles. Turn left onto Girand Street for less than 0.1 miles. Turn right onto Broadway for 0.3 miles. Turn slight left onto Sunset Drive for 1.8 miles. Sunset Drive becomes WA-542 for 32.3 miles. Turn left onto Vaughn Avenue for less than 0.1 miles. From Glacier, travel east on Mt. Baker Highway 542 for 23.0 miles to Heather Meadows. The trailhead and parking area are located on the left hand side of the road, between Austin Pass Picnic Area and Artist Point parking lot in Heather Meadows.

Attractions Near
Lake Ann Trail #600

Mount Baker Wilderness
Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest

Address

Mt. Baker Ranger District-Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest

810 State Route 20

Sedro-Woolley, Washington 98284

Phone
General: (360) 856-5700

Website

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