From my home its a short drive up the North Cascades Highway to the Baker Lake Road. The first 20 miles is paved and follows along side Grandy Lake and then Baker Lake.

Intermittent views of Mount Baker appear.

Mount Baker from Baker Lake Road

The last 5 miles skirt the northwestern shore of Baker Lake, the road is gravel here and ends at a parking area.

From here a trail heads north along the Baker River. Views of the glacier-clad North Cascades appear and the river is spanned by a suspension bridge.

Baker River Bridge

Along the way there are several spots where you can scramble down to the gravel bars near the water.


Baker River

At this time of year the water level is so low that its easy hiking among the snags and channels.

Maples and spruce, old growth and new, the trees are full of color.

The bright green of the river is remarkable and the reflections of the fall colors.

Baker River

The way back home I keep stopping, here another fantastic sight of color and light…

North End of Baker Lake

Baker Lake

Fall in northwestern Washington is glorious!