I love the Mt. Baker area, and today I ventured onto the Lake Ann trail, which heads close to Mt. Shuksan. Along the way, you pass forests, alpine meadows, streams, and views of Mt. Baker and Mt. Shuksan. We even saw pikas and marmots today. The trail to Lake Ann is well established and easy to follow. The lake is beautiful, and so are the views of Baker and Shuksan. I recommend, after reaching the lake, taking the trail that leads to the Lower Curtis Glacier. For the most part the trail is in good shape — there are some scrambling sections. There came a point at which I stopped, but two others in my group scrambled down to the glacier and actually touched it! I was enjoying the scenery and chasing a marmot (not really). The trail that leads to the glacier crosses into North Cascades National Park.
Interesting Facts
- Mt. Shuksan, visible for much of this hike, is often called the most photographed mountain in Washington, thanks to its classic reflection shot from nearby Picture Lake at the end of the Mt. Baker Highway
- The Lower Curtis Glacier, the one visible from the end of this trail, has been monitored by glaciologists for decades. It advanced between 1950 and 1986, but has been retreating since, having pulled back about 184 m from its 1986 position and roughly 600 m from where it sat in 1908
- Lake Ann sits at the base of Mt. Shuksan’s Fisher Chimneys route, a popular climbing approach, which is why you’ll often see mountaineers with full glacier gear passing through on their way to the summit
Permits & Border Crossing
Or you can buy an ePass in advance online at the Discover Your Northwest website.
Border crossing tips: bring your passport, Nexus, or enhanced ID. No fruit, no vegetables, no meat (this isn’t a complete list). Trail mix is okay.
A great resource for current conditions for this hike is the WTA website. Check it out!
The parking lot/trailhead are just 1.5 km (1 mile) before Artist Point (link below).
Trail Stats
The stats below are to the end of the trail at Curtis Glacier.
- Distance: 18 km (linear return)
- Time: 7 hours
- Low point: 1,196 m
- High point: 1,620 m
- Elevation gain: 424 m
- Cumulative elevation gain: 1,060 m
- Trailhead: 48° 50′ 59.5″ N, 121° 41′ 11″ W (Google Map)
The Route
The actual GPS track from this hike, drawn on the map below. Green marks the start/end point.
Photos
Link to all Lake Ann / Curtis Glacier photos on Flickr
Before You Hike
Before heading out on your hike, make sure you are well prepared. This means having the TEN ESSENTIALS. It is also important to leave a trip plan (route details and estimated return time) with someone you trust.
Bring your smartphone, fully charged, and put it in airplane mode while hiking. I always bring backup battery packs for extra peace of mind. It is highly recommended that you bring a GPS device. I use my smartphone with a GPS app (Backcountry Navigator). The GPS will work in airplane mode. Learn how to use it before your hike.
For anyone new to hiking, there is a rule that hikers follow called “Leave No Trace” or LNT. The concept is generally to pack out what you pack in and respect nature, so all future visitors can enjoy what you have enjoyed. To learn more about LNT, please check out this blog by a certified LNT Trainer.
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