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Picture Lake Trail, Autumn

Parent Category: Mt. Baker Area
Created: 01 December 2015
Location: North Cascades Region, Mt. Baker Area, Artist Point
Roundtrip: 0,5 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: None
Highest Point: 4200 feet
GPS Coordinates: N 48 51.972 W -122 19.403
Visitor’s Information:

Recreation Pass Required

Pictures below will take you along the trail around a picturesque lake. Enjoy the beauty of autumn scenery!

 Photo from the Picture Lake Trail, taken in autumn, North Cascades Region, Mt. Baker Area
General Information:

Autumn is in its height ... Now it pleases us with the gentle sunshine, warm almost as in summer, then it scares us with its chilly rain. Autumn is changeable ... Romantic time, the time of inner peace, the time to enjoy the long-awaited coolness after the summer heat ... Autumn is incredible in all its forms and aspects: early September days, when it is still warm like in summer, but you already can feel the freshness, and you want to get the lungful of the heady autumn air, and late November evening, when the frost binds pools, and the first light snow covers the ground, and of course October. Beautiful is the forest in the golden-scarlet attire, gorgeous is the ginger carpet of falling leaves and silvery webs flying by, drawn by fresh blows light wind...

Photo from the Picture Lake Trail, taken in autumn, North Cascades Region, Mt. Baker Area

Autumn is the perfect time for travelling and enjoying the full richness of the nature’s beauty. 

One of the best places to admire during the fall season is Picture Lake. This small lake is surrounded by a fantastically gorgeous landscape. May be that is why it is one of the most often visited and photographed places in the whole North America. Picturesque mountain scenery leaves no one indifferent. 

Photo from the Picture Lake Trail, taken in autumn, North Cascades Region, Mt. Baker Area

Millions and millions of photos have been taken at this place. That is why almost every person has seen at least once the fascinating Mt. Shuksan, towering behind the lake, with its almost ideal reflection in calm, still waters of Picture Lake, as you may see this scene at many post cards, stamps, telephone books, etc.

To get the best views of Picture Lake and the beautiful nature surrounding it, walk along the Picture Lake Trail. This short, 0,5 miles long loop path runs around the lake, opening the sweeping views for the visitors. The Picture Lake Trail is partially paved, and partially consists of the boardwalk, that is why it is accessible for everyone (also wheelchair-accessible). But unfortunately dogs are not allowed on it. 

Photo from the Picture Lake Trail, taken in autumn, North Cascades Region, Mt. Baker Area

There are some interpretive signs placed along the Picture Lake Trail, giving you the possibility to get some information about the area. 

A paved viewing point and a wooden platform, built on the edge of the lake are just perfect for wildlife watching and enjoying the best views of this place. Have a sit on one of the benches and soak in the beauty of the fall kaleidoscope of multiple colors. This amazing scenery and divine serenity of the nature around you will wash all your blues away.

Photo from the Picture Lake Trail, taken in autumn, North Cascades Region, Mt. Baker Area

There are also a lot of offshoot trails around the lake, which will help you to better explore the area and find new and new places with stunning views. 

 

These pictures were taken in September, 2015

Driving Directions:

From the Glacier Public Service Center

Go east on Mt. Baker Highway 542 for 21 miles. The parking area is located on the Mt. Baker Highway at milepost 54.1, just below the Mount Baker Ski Lodge.

GPS Coordinates: N 48 51.972 W -122 19.403

In order to get directions click on the map below:

 

Photo: Roman Khomlyak

Photo Editing: Juliana Voitsikhovska

Information: Svetlana Baranova