Artist Point opens for the summer

Marking the beginning of summer in Whatcom County, the road to Artist Point, the panoramic terminus of Mt. Baker Highway, opened to the public Friday, June 21.

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) announced the final 2.7 miles of State Route 542 was cleared by ground crews Friday morning, one week earlier than 2023.

WSDOT and U.S. Forest Service crews will continue routine maintenance along Mt. Baker Highway, putting up signs and completing road repairs after 30 feet of snow accumulated through the winter. Restroom and garbage facilities are still limited at Artist Point, according to WSDOT.

Each summer, over 650 vehicles arrive at Artist Point per day, with nearly 40,000 people visiting the Glacier Public Service Center every year for permits, weather conditions and other crucial information before exploring the North Cascades.

For more information and live updates on the highway to Artist Point, visit wsdot.com/travel/real-time/map/.