Artist Point

Standing atop Artist Point on a crisp and clear winter day grants some of the most awe-inspiring scenery in the state of Washington. This roundish knob protruding from Kulshan Ridge sits between the glaciated  towers of Mount Baker and Mount Shuksan. The color scheme here is surreal, with dark cliffs and forests against contouring quilts of snow and a deep blue sky brushed with white billowy clouds.

The route departs from the Mount Baker Ski Area upper parking lot and follows a groomed cat-track below the ski lifts and downhill runs. Snowshoers are advised to stick to the track's edge, as unannounced ski and snowboard traffic can zoom by at any second. Your eyes will undoubtedly be drawn to the picturesque Bagley Lakes basin during this first section, making cross-country travel along the groomed track a safer option. 

After trekking a mile from your vehicle and gaining 500 feet of elevation, the 4,700-foot Austin Pass reveals the second portion of the route. Keep progressing southwest up the slopes to reach a massive shelf just east of Table Mountain. Kulshan Ridge begins here, as well as Mount Baker's commanding presence to the west. The views south become breathtaking as you turn back toward Mount Shuksan's colossal arm, and the magnificent half-mile up to Artist Point is truly inspiring.  

Check weather and avalanche reports if exploring the backcountry in this area.

Recommended Gear

Before you head out on your next Mount Hood adventure, make sure you have the right gear! 

Here's a list of our go-to snowshoeing essentials to get you started:

Snowshoes: MSR Lightning Ascent Snowshoe

Cushioned, Made in USA, Ultralight, 98.8 oz

Men's • $299.95 • MSR | Amazon | Backcountry | REI

Women's • $299.95 • MSR | Amazon | Backcountry | REI

Jacket/Shell: Arc'teryx Zeta AR Jacket

Waterproof, Adjustable Drawcord Hem, Pit Zips, GORE-TEX

Men's • $431-475 • Arc'teryx | Amazon | Backcountry

Women's • $475 • Arc'teryx | Amazon | Backcountry

Pack: Mammut Nirvana Pro Pack 

35L, Carry-On Size, Hip Belt, Ice Axe / Pole Loops, Hydration Compatible

Standard Fit • $189.95-199.95 • Mammut | Amazon | Backcountry

Small Fit • $199.95 • Mammut | Amazon

Insulating Layer: Moosejaw Dequindre Down Jacket

Water-resistant, Insulated, Adjustable Drawcord Hem

Men's and Women's • $179

Poles: Black Diamond Traverse Pole 

Aluminum, Adjustable with Lever Lock System, 21 oz.

$79.95 • Black Diamond | Amazon | Backcountry | REI

Gloves: The North Face GORE-TEX Gloves

Waterproof, Adjustable, Insulated, GORE-TEX

Men's • $99.95-181.63 • The North Face | Amazon | Backcountry

Women's • $99.95-100.00 • The North Face | Backcountry

Boots: Vasque Snowblime UltraDry Boot

Waterproof, Cushioned, Insulated

Men's • $149.99 • Vasque | Amazon | Backcountry

Women's • $149.99 • Vasque | Amazon | Backcountry

Gaiters: Outdoor Research Verglas Gaiter 

Waterproof, Breathable, Lightweight, Abrasion-resistant

Men's • $41.32-65 • Outdoor Research | Amazon | Backcountry | REI

Women's • $49.95-65 • Outdoor Research | Amazon | Backcountry | REI