Going to Mt Baker for the first time!

Submitted by One_Chocolate_6742 t3_113ju0j in Washington

Hello! I'm planning to drive up to Mt Baker from Vancouver for a skiing/snowboarding day trip. It'll be my first time driving there and I've been reading that chains might be needed as the drive can be treacherous. I'll be driving a AWD SUV with new winter tires, will it be OK? Also, how's the parking situation? Do we need to buy tickets online ahead of time or at window?

TIA

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SeaJaiyy t1_j8qoh7y wrote

You might get more specific info on r/Bellingham

I haven't been in awhile, but generally chains depends on the weather.

Actively snowing? Yeah you might want/need chains.

Bluebird day? Probs not so much.

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PipeLayer2016 t1_j8qqukw wrote

Unless you are driving up the mountain in the middle of the night, when the plows aren't running, you won't need chains.

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Bunni_Corcoran t1_j8qv1zs wrote

The drive should be easy for an AWD, there’s plenty of parking and you can buy tix at the window.

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LusciousJames t1_j8qvhf3 wrote

https://www.mtbaker.us/

All info is there; Baker doesn’t do advance or online tickets. Parking better on weekdays/non-powder days, or just get up there early.

WSDOT’s mountain pass website has the best up to date info on if chains are required. If you have AWD you’re (generally) good in any case. See WSDOT site for what the various pass restrictions/advisories mean.

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jnan77 t1_j8rabe2 wrote

You are required to have chains in your vehicle by WSDOT, but you will not need to put them on. The highway is well maintained even during storms. This is a holiday 3 day weekend, so it may be busier than normal. Getting there before 8:30 is recommended to park and get tickets before the lifts start spinning.

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Apple_Cup t1_j8rtuyo wrote

AWD with snow tires is plenty safe don't worry. I go there every week with the same setup, there's a dedicated plow crew at the base of the highway before it climbs, this highway is well-kept even in the winter.

Get to the parking lot by 8:30, you can't buy tickets ahead of time but I've never seen them sell out.

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jo0oley0 t1_j8sclqe wrote

It's a beautiful drive and the roads are well maintained, but heed the speed limit. Very twisty and steep drops. Along the way there are pull-offs with dazzling views of the Nooksack River.

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Small_Manufacturer69 t1_j8u7xd2 wrote

Driving UP, from Vancouver is a far drive. Be sure to check the weather before committing to that distance. They got dedicated snow clearing machinery. So you can use any car if you like. The temps have been reaching the 40's so if there was any ice or snow it got melted by the rain. Parking is plentiful. Tickets can only be bought in person. After 12:30pm there's a $10 discount. Food is not that great so pack a lunch. There's always someone playing music.

If you're driving DOWN from Vancouver, BC, start at Abbotsford and cross at Sumas. You don't have to mingle with the I5 tourist traffic, and it's almost a straight direct route towards Mt Baker.

It slows down when it get's narrow and windy. Be sure to pull over if there is a parade of 5 cars behind you. It's always the BC plates or a Subaru that makes people happy. They'll all going to the same spot, and you don't want mean looks when you get there.

All the Green slopes are at Heather Meadows, and all the good parking are at White Salmon. At White Salmon you don't have to park at the first spot you see. Wait till you see the lodge and there's always parking close to the lodge.

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nothingbutfinedining t1_j96c3os wrote

I made it up last spring when they got 4 feet of snow in 2 days. FWD with snow tires, you’ll be fine.

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