Since last year, Paula, Tim, and I have been trying to coordinate a snowshoeing trip out to Mt. Baker. However, weather and schedules usually got in the way during our weekends… but this weekend, we decided to head out; despite the iffy weather and avy forecast.

When we pulled into the trail head, it was raining, cloudy, and visibility was poor… but we decided to check out the hike, and we had the simple plan to turn back if it was crappy. When we arrived at the trailhead, we saw PNW’ers EVERYWHERE! and the snow was decent as well! So we started off towards Artist Point and Huntoon Point!

The crew! The view to the North was pretty good!

We were heading South though… and this was basically what it looked like on entire the way up.

^note the baby avalanche to the right…

There were occasional breaks in the clouds, and Mt. Shuksan would tease us for a few seconds…

As we worked our way up to Huntoon Point, the weather got better and better, and we had this lovely view for lunch!

There was also the obligatory harassment from camp robbers…

As we wrapped up our lunch, the clouds suddenly cleared!

…and a few minutes later, we had the perfect backdrop!!!  #defaultgroupshot

On the way down, Ptarmigan Ridge appeared from the clouds!

and we had great views looking back at Huntoon Point!

and Mt Baker decided to join in on the good weather party!

On my previous trip here, we traversed these slopes… but this time, there were steps kicked for a more direct route up and down, which was better IMO…

…and one last view!