I’ve been living in Vancouver since 2006 and seen the striking Mt. Baker many times from afar. Although many of my hiking friends talked about their trips there, for some reason I’d not considered it as a destination for myself. Thanks to a couple good friends, that changed.
We departed Vancouver wearing shorts. When we stopped in Glacier at Wake ‘n Bakery for coffee and a snack, it was a sunny, breezy day. By the time we reached the Mt. Baker Ski area, we were greeted by cloud, wind and a sprinkle of snowflakes. We laughed, shivered, bundled up and meandered up the Bagley Lake and Wild Goose trails to the Ann Lake Trail. The trail descended through meadows, following Swift Creek. When we reached the junction of the Lake Ann and Pacific Northwest Trails, it was too late to continue to the lake. As turned out, we hiked back through the Bagley Lakes area alone and in the dark. It was peaceful.
The ambience of the weather & area, and conversations of the day were memorable. I hope to return to further explore the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.
