INTERMEDIATE HIKE
Join us as we hike one of the most stunning trails anywhere in the Pacific Northwest. We will start with one group of 12 (limit per US Forest Service) but may do a second group of 12 as well. Remember to buy the parking pass at the ranger station in Glacier (see below for more info).
Plan on leaving downtown Vancouver at 715AM and arriving at the border crossing in Abbotsford/Sumas at approximately 8:30AM. Please add a comment to the meetup page (before crossing the border) if you are running late. We will meet at the Ranger Station (near the parking ticket machines) in Glacier at approximately 930AM, although this will depend on the lines at the border. We will then drive to Austin Pass Picnic Area, about a mile below Artist Point (see below for directions).
Elevation Gain: 600m
Distance: 11km
Hiking Time: 6 hours
DISCLOSURE AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK
By going on this Meetup event, you acknowledge and agree that you are participating at your own risk and are entirely responsible for your own safety getting to and from the trailhead, on the hike, and during the course of the event. In case of accident, illness, or other incapacity, you agree to pay for your own medical and/or evacuation expenses, whether or not you have specifically authorized them. You also verify that you are in good health and are physically capable of carrying out this hike. Therefore, you agree to release the Meetup Group, the Organizer, the Meetup Host, and any affiliate from any and all liability for any loss, damage, expense or injury which may arise out of participation in the Meetup event, including during transportation to and from the event.
OVERVIEW OF HIKE
On this hike, we will do a breathtakingly scenic loop, taking in incredible views of Mount Baker and Shuksan as well as several alpine lakes. We will start from Artist Point, hiking counter-clockwise. This direction means you'll hit the high point of the loop on fresh legs and allows you to enjoy the lakes and milder hiking later in the day.
After the hike, some of us will be stopping in Glacier to get dinner. There is a really good Italian restaurant (Milano's) at the side of the highway. There is also Graham's Restaurant. Regardless of whether you stop for dinner, expect to get back into Vancouver after 7PM.
Driving Directions
If you are coming from Vancouver, cross at the Abbotsford/Sumas border crossing and drive east on the Mount Baker Highway (542) for 34 miles to the rangers station at the Glacier Public Service Center in the town of Glacier. This is where you will need to buy a $5 parking pass for your vehicle. Hopefully we will all get here around the same time. Drive another 21 miles to the Austin Pass Picnic Area (Heather Meadows Visitor Center). After turning off here, you will go to the end of the road, passing Austin Pass Picnic Area on the right. We will meet at the visitor center, which is an old building a short walk above the parking lot. We will NOT be meeting at Artist Point, which is at the end of 542.
Please remember to give your driver some gas money ($30) and bring an empty bag for your hiking boots. Please also make sure you have a valid passport and any other required documentation, if applicable.
What You Should Bring:
Passport
Hiking boots
Hiking poles (optional)
Sunscreen
Water (at least 2 litres)
Packed Lunch
10 Essentials
No fruit or meat allowed across the border. You can stop at the Super Duper Boomtown gas station (1015 Cherry Street) in Sumas across the border and buy meat and fruit there.
