Baker Lake
A stunning mountain lake in Washington's PNW, offering camping, hiking, boating, and breathtaking views of Mount Baker.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Peaceful views before crowds
Baker Lake
Best Time
Peaceful views before crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning mountain lake in Washington's PNW, offering camping, hiking, boating, and breathtaking views of Mount Baker.
"Baker Lake is a family favorite, a piece of heaven with clean, peaceful, and unreal views."
👟 Sturdy Footwear Essential
Wear good hiking boots; trails have rocks & roots.
💧 Pack Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated on hikes and during your visit.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Baker Lake Views
Along the shoreline and hiking trails
Breathtaking vistas of the lake framed by dense forests and the majestic Mount Baker. Pure PNW beauty.
Swift Creek Campground
Campground on the lake's edge
A peaceful spot offering quiet enjoyment of the lake and views of Mt. Baker. Ideal for a serene getaway.
Baker Lake Trail
Trailhead near the lake
A moderate hike with rewarding lake views, featuring natural obstacles like rocks and roots.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Pack for Adventure
Beat the Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Sturdy Footwear Essential
Wear good hiking boots; trails have rocks & roots.
💧 Pack Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated on hikes and during your visit.
🐻 Bear Safety
Campgrounds have bear lockers; bring carabiners for food bags.
👨👩👧 Family Fun
Great for camping, picnics, and enjoying nature.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Sturdy Footwear Essential
Wear good hiking boots; trails have rocks & roots.
💧 Pack Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated on hikes and during your visit.
🐻 Bear Safety
Campgrounds have bear lockers; bring carabiners for food bags.
👨👩👧 Family Fun
Great for camping, picnics, and enjoying nature.
🛶 Canoe Camping
Explore the lake from the water for a unique perspective.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Baker Lake for its stunning natural beauty, describing it as a 'piece of heaven' with unreal views of Mount Baker. It's a beloved family spot for camping and picnics, offering a peaceful escape. Some note the trails can be challenging with rocks and roots, requiring good footwear.
"Really great hike. However be prepared. Have good fitting hiking boots, walking stick, water & food. Be aware trail has rocks & roots that stick out and are trip hazards"
El Shaitan
"What a fun drive and a great place to go with the family. Whether camping, picnicking, or just enjoying the view, Baker Lake has been a family favorite of ours since the mid sixties.
Growing up in the PNW affords many opportunities to visit some beautiful places, but Baker holds a special place in our hearts.
Best time to go is early on a Saturday or Sunday before the crowds arrive."
Mac Maclachlan
"Piece of heaven so clean and peaceful views are unreal"
Henry Hagen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Baker Lake is accessible by car, typically via the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. The drive itself offers scenic views.
Yes, the drive through the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest is known for its beautiful scenery.
The primary access is often via Forest Road 11, which leads to various trailheads and campgrounds around the lake.
Public transport options are very limited to non-existent for reaching Baker Lake, making a personal vehicle highly recommended.
Road conditions can vary, especially on Forest Roads. It's advisable to check with the Forest Service for current road status before your trip.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
A Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Pass is typically required for parking at trailheads and some recreation sites around Baker Lake.
While there isn't a general entrance fee for the lake itself, day-use fees or a valid recreation pass are usually required for parking at designated areas.
Baker Lake and its surrounding recreation areas are generally open year-round, but access to specific campgrounds or facilities may be seasonal.
Yes, many campgrounds around Baker Lake, such as Swift Creek Campground, can be reserved in advance through recreation.gov.
Booking campsites well in advance, especially for weekends and holidays, is highly recommended due to their popularity.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Activities include hiking, camping, fishing, boating, and enjoying the scenic views of Mount Baker.
Yes, the Baker Lake Trail is popular, offering moderate challenges and beautiful lake views.
Baker Lake is known for fishing opportunities, though regulations and best times to fish should be checked.
Boating is a popular activity on Baker Lake, with access points for launching various watercraft.
The water temperature can be quite cold, even in summer, due to its mountain origins.
📸 📸 Photography
The shoreline, viewpoints along the Baker Lake Trail, and areas offering clear views of Mount Baker are prime photography locations.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer softer light and potentially fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the lake's beauty.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes, while a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife or distant mountain details.
Many spots along the lake and trails provide excellent views of Mount Baker, especially on clear days.
Be mindful of slippery rocks and changing weather conditions. Waterproof camera gear or protection is advisable.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For families planning to camp, remember to pack essentials and be mindful of bear safety, as campgrounds are equipped with lockers.
🏕️ Campers and Backpackers
For those seeking a more rugged adventure, canoe camping on Baker Lake provides a unique way to access more remote areas and enjoy the water.
Backpackers can explore various trails within the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, with the Baker Lake Trail being a popular option for day hikes or as part of a longer backpacking route. Always be prepared with appropriate gear, including bear safety measures and sufficient supplies. 📸 Photographers
+1 The Baker Lake Trail offers numerous vantage points, and visiting during the golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) can yield dramatic lighting and fewer crowds. Consider bringing a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive scenery and a telephoto lens for details of the mountain or potential wildlife. Be prepared for variable weather and ensure your gear is protected, as conditions near the water can be damp.
The peacefulness of the lake, particularly on weekdays or early weekend mornings, allows for unhurried shooting and the capture of truly breathtaking moments. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Hiking the Baker Lake Trail
Many hikers recommend starting this trail in the early evening to enjoy the cooler temperatures and potentially catch the golden hour light on the lake and surrounding mountains.
While the trail itself isn't overly strenuous, the uneven ground requires attention. It's a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest and get up close to the stunning lake. Remember to pack essentials like water, snacks, and bear spray, as you are in bear country. The trail provides a great introduction to the area's rugged charm and is a highlight for many visitors seeking an active outdoor experience.
Camping and Facilities
When camping, it's vital to be bear-aware. Bring a carabiner to clip your food and toiletries bag to the cable, as some of the provided ones can be in disrepair.
Facilities can vary by campground, but generally include vault toilets and access to the lake. The overall atmosphere at the campgrounds is often described as peaceful and clean, contributing to the lake's reputation as a 'piece of heaven.'
The Majesty of Mount Baker
+1Photographers and nature enthusiasts alike are drawn to the opportunities to capture this stunning natural pairing. Whether viewed from the shoreline, a hiking trail, or a campsite, the presence of Mount Baker enhances the sense of grandeur and wild beauty that Baker Lake offers.
+1The Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest encompasses a large portion of the area, highlighting the protected status and the commitment to preserving this rugged terrain and its recreational opportunities. The combination of the lake and the mountain creates a truly unforgettable landscape.
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