One Of Washington's Most Striking Roads Is Like Driving Right Through Mount Rainier National Park

The Mount Baker Scenic Byway — or State Route 542 —  is a 57-mile-long road crossing some of Washington's most stunning landscapes. Starting in Bellingham, an underrated and charming city near Seattle, the byway offers travelers an unforgettable journey through forests, mountain peaks, and crystal-clear lakes. It's a true hidden gem in the Pacific Northwest, and it can remind travelers of the beauty of Mount Rainier, except there are almost no crowds blocking the view.

The road is great for experiencing the beauty of the North Cascade Range, Mount Shuksan, and, of course, the glaciers of Mount Baker, which stands at 10,781 feet high. But beyond the breathtaking views, the byway is also a haven for outdoor recreation such as hiking, wildlife photography, and winter sports.

It is also a place rich in history. Existing since the 1800s the route was used by loggers traversing the area. Nowadays, it has been designated as a National Forest Scenic Byway as the route passes through the Snoqualmie National Forest. With its towering waterfalls, snow-capped peaks, and vibrant wildflower fields, this scenic route is indeed a good alternative to Mount Rainier National Park.

As you drive along the byway, you'll notice the dramatic landscapes that make this area so special. The lush rainforests give way to alpine meadows dotted with wildflowers in the spring and summer, with visitors hiking some of the most picturesque trails in Washington. If you're lucky, you might even spot wildlife such as black bears, deer, and even elk.

The Artist Point Trail — the highest point along the route — and Chain Lakes Loop are especially popular. These trails offer hikers great panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and communities such as Maple Falls, Deming, and Glacier. Nooksack Falls is another popular spot, and it can be reached from Northwest Forest Road 33. The 81-foot cascade is truly a must-see, as the crashing waters provide visitors with truly dramatic sights (and photos).

Continuing on the byway you will eventually reach Heather Meadows where more scenic views and hiking trails, like the Fire and Ice Trail, await you. This roads will lead you to breathtaking lakes such as Picture Lake reflecting the surrounding landscape. As for some winter fun, the heavy snowfalls and steep slopes of Mount Baker Ski Area — also in Heather Meadows — are perfect for snow sports enthusiasts seeking an affordable and family-friendly ski resort with little to no crowds.

Driving the Mount Baker Scenic Byway offers an intimate experience with the natural world. Eventually, you will lose cellphone service and will be forced to truly enjoy the magnificence of the route with no distractions. Fortunately, there are several lodges, cabins, and other accommodations for you to stay the night in case anything happens. For example, Mt. Baker Lodging is only about 30 minutes away from Mount Baker and the Ski Resort, and you can also find several hotels in Bellingham.

For grabbing a bite along the byway, visit Wake'n'Bakery, a coffee shop on Deming specializing in organic food and ethically sourced coffee. During the summer months, you can also drop by the Heather Meadows Café at the Heather Meadows Day Lodge. Sadly, this café is closed for the rest of the year. Instead, you can stop by the North Fork Brewery just outside of Bellingham and stock up on some pizza for your drive.

The byway also connects with several other routes leading to national parks such as the North Cascades National Park. This park is just a short distance from Glacier, as well as the ferry to the San Juan Islands – a great escape near Seattle. The Olympic Peninsula is only two hours away from the byway and Glacier. Finally, by continuing the drive a little further down, you can cross the border into Vancouver for more adventurous traveling.