Jocelyn Timmermans

Dec 112 min read

Artists Point

Dec. 9, 2024 -- Mt. Baker

Stats: 7.8 km / 436m gain / 1616m high

What a fun and gorgeous day this was! This premier snowshoe has a lot to offer, with far-reaching views 100% of the time. The shorter route allowed for a liesurely pace. Who would want to rush anyways, on this picture perfect day?

Ducking under the boundary rope, we trudged up along the downhill ski slope. Tomyhoi, the Canadian & American Border Peaks, & Larrabee Mountains stood out on the horizon to the north.

Table Mt to the right.

The Chain Lakes loop winds to the left of Table Mt and then down into this valley.

We were not the only ones on the mountain on this Monday.

Huntoon Point to the left was our destination. We climbed up along the right side of the steep slope in this photo.

And then we saw the majestic Shuksan.

Cautious steps were necessary here, especially for those in front, breaking the trail. A few of the skiers were not so happy with us going up "their" route. But we were avoiding their backcountry downhill slope to the left of these trees.

Patterns in the snow.

Heavy breathing.

Brigitte had to work espcially hard. She'd forgotten her snowshoes and was doing alot of post-holing. But bound & determined she was. She stuck to the group the whole time.

Snow dunes.

In awe.

Huntoon point to the left.

We turned left here, staying on the ridge that led to Huntoon Point.

The restroom in the Artists Point parking lot.

Table Mt. -- northwest.

Above the clouds -- south.

You-know-who: Mt. Baker -- west.

Shuksan -- east.

Approaching the point.

More of the group coming up.

We dropped down a wee bit where there was shelter from the mild wind. This south-facing slope was actually quite warm.

Cal & Sonia goofing around.

Halfway through our lunch break, the cloud closed in, lending a mystical atmosphere to our surroundings.

Some of us chose the more gradual beaten path to descend the point but some followed Cal down the very steep slope.

We decided not to do the loop if we had no views. But as quickly as the cloud closed in, was as quickly as it receeded. So we stayed left, heading straight for Table Mt.