Picture Lake is a scenic stop on Mount Baker Highway characterized by intimidating views of Mount Shuksan with its infamous glaciers and alpine peaks. We stopped by twice in mid-August 2023, on our way to hiking trails in Mount Baker Wilderness. There is a half mile trail loop around the lake, however construction prevented us from hiking the loop. It is one of the most photographed locations in the US due to a perfect reflection of Mount Shuksan, the “crown jewel of North Cascades”. Beautiful wildflowers add a splash of color to the foreground to any photo. On our second stop, I witnessed a small wedding. I surreptitiously snapped a couple of shots of the happy couple. The trail and boardwalk to the overlooks is easy with barely any elevation. Parking is available roadside. It is a must-stop when in the area as the photos below prove.

Reference Picture Lake Trail on Alltrails

Washington State Hiking and Attraction Map

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