Threat of snow closes stretch of scenic Whatcom County road in the North Cascades
This week’s forecast for snow in the North Cascades prompted closure of the road to Artist Point, which offers a stunning mountain vista and access to scenic hikes from late spring through early fall.
Mount Baker Highway is closed annually about 3 miles below Artist Point, near the Mt. Baker Ski Area’s Heather Meadows base, after the first significant snowfall.
But the Washington State Department of Transportation shut the winter gates Monday in advance of wintry weather in the forecast.
Clearing efforts — which require skip loaders and dump trucks for snow that could be 20 feet deep or more — usually start in late spring.
This story was originally published October 23, 2023 at 11:25 AM.
Robert Mittendorf
The Bellingham Herald