Highway 542 climbs along the beautiful Nooksack River Valley, gently at first, then in a series of steep switchbacks as you approach the terminus near the mountain. The road enters Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest just east of Glacier, where you’ll find the Glacier Public Service Center, along with a handful of businesses.

East from here to the end, the road is officially a National Forest Scenic Byway. Enjoy the finest views of Mt. Baker at the end of paved Glacier Creek Road (Forest Road 39), which begins just east of Glacier and heads south for seven miles to a parking lot and trailhead at an elevation of almost 2,900 feet.

East of Glacier, the highway cruises through a wonderful stand of 700-year-old Douglas firs. Seven miles east of Glacier is the turnoff to impressive Nooksack Falls (one mile away along a gravel side road), a thundering cataract. As you wend your way eastward from here, you’ll find periodic views down the valley.

Around mileage marker 44 is a good-sized patch of impressive old-growth forest right along the highway, easily accessible with a brief hike. The road passes columnar volcanic rock just below the Mt. Baker Ski Area, where you can purchase snacks on summer weekends or full meals in the winter, and then circles famous Picture Lake.

Join the crowd for a photo of Mt. Shuksan rising behind the mirrored waters of this small lake. It’s one of Kodak’s favorite places in America.