Baker Lake in Washington is a beautiful and serene place to visit, with plenty of activities and attractions to explore. Whether you’re looking for a day trip or planning a longer stay, there are plenty of things to do around Baker Lake.
In this visitor’s guide, we’ll provide all the information you need to make the most of your trip. From hiking trails to fishing spots and more, you’ll find everything you need to know about visiting this lovely lake. So, get ready to discover Baker Lake and all that it has to offer!
Location and Getting There
Baker Lake is located in Whatcom County, Washington. If you’re driving from Seattle, the trip will take you about 2.5 hours. Once you’re at the lake, you can access it via a public boat launch at the south end of the lake. There are also other access points along the shoreline for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing.
Weather at Baker Lake
Located in the North Cascade Mountains of Washington, Baker Lake enjoys mild temperatures throughout the year. Summer days are usually sunny and comfortable, with average highs in the mid-70s and lows in the upper 40s. The area gets an average of 12-15 inches of precipitation a year, mostly falling in late fall and winter.
Winter temperatures can drop below freezing at night but are usually warm enough during the day for outdoor activities. Snowfall is minimal in this part of the state, averaging only 15-20 inches a year. The best time to visit Baker Lake in Washington is spring or summer when the weather is mild and the views of the lake are spectacular.
Activities at Baker Lake
Baker Lake in Washington is the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking to enjoy all that nature has to offer. There are plenty of activities to enjoy around the lake, ranging from fishing and boating to hiking and camping. Fishing is a popular activity at Baker Lake, with rainbow trout, kokanee, and landlocked sockeye salmon all available in the waters.
Boating is also a great way to explore the lake, whether it’s a day trip on the lake or a weekend excursion. Canoeing and kayaking are also great activities for visitors looking to paddle around the lake.
Hiking around the lake provides some amazing views, with trails ranging from easy to challenging. There are plenty of spots to explore around the lake, including historic sites, waterfalls, and other scenic spots. Camping is also a popular activity at Baker Lake, with many campgrounds located nearby.
Whether you are looking to rough it in a tent or camp in an RV, there are plenty of options to choose from. With its picturesque scenery, a wide variety of activities, and a peaceful atmosphere, Baker Lake in Washington is the ideal destination for outdoor adventurers.
Baker Lake Fishing
Baker Lake in Washington is a great destination for fishing enthusiasts. With its large population of fish, anglers can enjoy a variety of species, including Rainbow Trout, Kokanee Salmon, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, and Catfish. Many fishermen find success from the shoreline, although the best catches come from boats.
The lake has multiple boat launch sites for easy access to the water, and fishing is allowed year-round. The fishing season is open from April through October, and the lake is also open for ice fishing during the winter months.
There are several local guides available to provide insight into the best fishing spots. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned angler, Baker Lake provides plenty of opportunities to catch some great fish.
Campgrounds Near Baker Lake, Washington
Located in Washington, Baker Lake is a great destination for camping enthusiasts. There are more than 15 campgrounds along the lake's shoreline.
The lake is situated in the rugged foothills of the North Cascades and offers breathtaking views of the nearby mountains and lake. Here are a few of Traverse the PNW's recommended campgrounds:
Panorama Point Campground
Panorama Point is one of the most popular campgrounds near Baker Lake. It's on the west side of the lake and offers sites for around $30. There are 16 sites, so make sure that if you want to camp there, you get there early or make a reservation in advance.
Depression Lake Campground
A campground on the south end of Baker Lake near the Kulshan Campground. It is not an amenity-rich campground, but that shouldn't stop you from venturing there if you're looking for a unique experience near the lake.
Kulshan Campground
This is a very scenic campground that offers tent and RV camping sites. There are toilets, trash collection, picnic tables, and more. You can even camp there in the winter.
Anderson Point
Anderson Point is a beautiful campground on the east side of Baker Lake. It's conveniently located and offers tent sites. The area can be pretty busy on weekends and does require some hiking to access.
Nearby Lakes
If you are looking to explore even more of the beautiful lakes that Washington has to offer, there are plenty of options close to Baker Lake in Washington. Just south of Baker Lake lies Patos Lake, a popular spot for fishing, swimming, and kayaking. Further south is Lake Chelan, which is the third deepest lake in the United States.
To the east lies Ross Lake, a massive lake with stunning views and plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation.
If you head northwest of Baker Lake, you'll reach Diablo Lake, known for its vibrant blue-green water, and Pyramid Lake, one of the largest lakes in Washington.
More information on Baker Lake is available on the Forest Service website at Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest - Baker Lake / Middle Fork Nooksack. All camping reservations for paid sites must be made through Recreation.gov. Please observe all regulations when on Forest Land, and know whether you are in the designated Wilderness or not, as regulations are more strict in Congressionally designated Wilderness Areas.