Hike the East Bank of Baker Lake

Access the hike from a 26.5-mile drive down Baker Lake Rd to the Baker Lake Trailhead. Note that the last 6 miles are unpaved and rather rough. The trail starts at low elevation so there's rarely snow or condition concerns, even in early spring.

The trail runs alongside and then crosses the Baker River on a large suspension bridge very early on - there's beautiful views up and down the river, framing Mt. Baker.

You'll come upon Hidden Creek and a series of other bridged cascades as you go up and down the hillside. Great photo ops.

There'll be a few unbridged streams and cascades, but nothing too slippery - keep your eyes out for little critters as there's tons of frogs and birds to spy near the water!

Eventually, around 2.5 miles in, you'll start being able to see the lake through the trees! It's completely worth following the little side trails off to the beachy spots along the lake - there are fantastic views of the clear water and of Mt. Shuksan. The first side trail you see is worth a go, but don't stop there, since there will be even better views in about a half mile.Once there, walk along the sandy lakeside, around the peninsula until you see views of Mt. Baker - it's off-trail but completely worth the stump climbing. The views are gorgeous and it's a change of pace from the mossy woods above.

Along here, there are campground spaces and even a picnic bench for eating lunch along the way.

Before you turn around, follow the Baker Lake Trail just a little further to the bridge crossing Noisy Creek - true to the name, you'll hear it before you see it, but it's a beautiful cascade down into the lake.

Bring bug spray and keep your eyes out for colorful wildflowers along the paths, especially later into the summer.