Artist Point Snowshoe — Monday, Jan. 19, 2026

No school today, sunshine predicted, so into the mountains I went! I wasn't sure the snow would be great at Salmon Ridge or White Salmon Road, so I decided to snowshoe up to Artist Point. 

Like previous reports have mentioned - just know this is not a solitude snowshoe :) especially on a sunny holiday in mid-January. Go early if you want to avoid the biggest crowds, by doing so I was able to have Artist Point all to myself for about 10 minutes, which was a gift.

I left Bellingham at 6:20am - same road conditions as recent reports. Well-marked spot before Glacier with water over the road (just go slow), and then two spots after Glacier (around milepost 41 and 44) that are one-lane traffic - I had timed signals on the way up, flaggers on the way down. None of these added much travel time. As always, I highly recommend the bathrooms at the Glacier Visitors Center/Ranger Station. Five stars.

Arrived at the backcountry parking lot (trailhead for Artist Point) at 7:45am - if you get confused, just ask any of the helpful, cheerful traffic guides posted all over the place. There were a few dozen cars in the lot already, mostly backcountry skiers heading off for adrenaline adventures. The trail heads uphill behind the bathrooms.

I wore snowshoes and low gaiters and used poles, but I saw people with just boots and maybe traction. Layers are key - it warmed up fast once the sun rose over Shuksan, then cooled off in the shade.

There are a few trails that head uphill - you can choose the one that looks most traveled, or you can choose the path of least resistance. If you are worried about getting too far into the bowl to the west, just stay close to the ski area fence and you will be fine.

The steepest part (in my opinion) is about 1/2 mile in, and it goes for about 1/2 mile. It's a lot of up. Slow and steady is the key. Stop to catch your breath and enjoy the amazing scenery along the way.

After this section, look for a well-trod pathway heading off to the left. This goes around the big ridge that stands in front of you. My first time to Artist Point (on a weekday when nobody was there), I went right up that thing, zig-zagging and terrified the whole way. I made it, but NOPE never again. Go to the left, it takes you around and up behind the ridge, a much safer route.

Some more up, and you arrive at Artist Point. Holy cow. Kulshan (Baker) right there in front of you. Shuksan to your left. Table Mountain to your right. If you head to your right a bit, you might see the bathrooms in the Artist Point parking lot (see photo - barely just the rooftops). Lots of places to sit and rest and think and feel, especially if you brought a waterproof blanket or garbage bag.

I rested a bit, then headed back. Downhill is much easier for sure :) Lots of people coming up in boots and on snowshoes. Everyone was positive and having a great time. 

Made it back to the car, the parking lot was full, the roads were jammed with skiers. I was happy to get out of there and escape the chaos.

Total of 3.2 miles, 850 feet elevation gain, just under 2 hours. Grateful to be in the mountains today - tomorrow I will be sore but ready to face my fifth graders!