Baker Lake (North Cascades)

Rating: SKII

Distance:   24 NM

Date:  June 24-26, 2005

Leader:   Pete Schwab                     Participants:  5

Launch:   09:30 each day                 Return:  2:30 each day

Weather:  All 3 days were mostly, but not entirely overcast, around 70F, breezes building in the late morning but not strong. The wind during our stay always blew from the south.  No rain.  Friday and Saturday late afternoons were partly clear from time to time affording us magnificent views of Mts Hagan, Shuksan, and an occasional glimpse of Baker itself.

Description:   Our three day weekend consisted of one day to get up to the North cascades and pitch our camp, and two days of paddling.  The lake runs south to north over half of it's length and then makes a big turn and heads west to east.  Camping at Panorama Point put us right smack in the middle and set us up for a 12 NM day on the west/east leg, followed by another 12 NM day on the south/north leg.
    Early Saturday it threatened rain for a few minutes but fizzled out.  It was to remain dry all weekend.  Skies were cloudy as we launched from Panorama Point and headed across the lake to the point where the lake runs west to east.  Silver Creek campground along the south shore wasn't visible.  We may have seen a couple of small trails that lead to it but it certainly wasn't of any value to anyone wanting to kayak camp.  Further along we came to Noisy Creek Campground.  Noisy Creek has a nice little gravel beach large enough for about 5 boats.  The trail opens immediately to a fairly large camp area with a fire pit and a pit toilet back in the woods.  A lot of potential for kayak camping without all the neighbors.  After a short break we paddled on to the delta at the east end of the lake.  Not much water this year.  The stream leading into the lake was almost dry.  Along the north shore we came to the Shannon Creek Campground.  Good place to stop for lunch and it does have a launch ramp.  It's available by car from Baker Lake Road so there are plenty of folks around.  After lunch the wind picked up from the south.  No problem.  Just good breezes.  Arriving at the Baker Lake resort we pulled in so a couple of our number could have a potty break.  Then around the corner and we were back in camp and ready for dinner and a little evening revelry.
    On Sunday morning we headed south along the west shore.  The west shore affords a lot of small inlets and bays to explore all the way down to the dam at the southern end of the lake.  Horseshoe Cove Campground proved a nice spot for a break before continuing to the end of the lake.  In the area of the dam a large boom keeps you from wandering too close to the dangers of an operating hydroelectric facility.  We headed north and stopped at the boat ramp just across the access road from Depression Lake.  Good spot for lunch but the picnic table area seemed a cold spot so we opted for the large log parking barriers down by our yaks.  The afternoon breezes were picking up as we finished our lunch, just in time to give us a nice little ride back to Panorama Point.
    Baker Lake proved to be a really nice weekend.  Good camping, kayaking, and the scenery, when the clouds break up, is spectacular.  So if you're looking to get away from the salt water for a change, this might be a spot you'd enjoy.

Tides/Currents:   There weren't any!  It's a bloody lake!

Charts:  Green Trails Map #46, Lake Shannon, WA is probably all you'll need.

Notes:

1.  There's a small hot spring pretty close to Baker Lake Resort so if you have the time see the website listed below under "References" for directions, pictures, and etc.

Directions to Launch Site:  Directions to Baker Lake Panorama Point Campground from I-5 at Hwy 16 in Tacoma, (~3 hours, ~140.6 miles).  From I-5 at Hwy 16 in Tacoma drive north on I-5 96.4 miles and take the WA-20, Exit 230.  Take WA-20 east for 24 miles to near milepost 82.  Turn left onto the Baker Lake Road (Forest Service Road #11).  Continue on the Baker Lake Road 20.2 miles and turn right at the Panorama Point campground sign.

Facilities:

1.  Panorama Point Campground has 15 sites, 9 of which can be reserved. Excellent launch ramp, drinking water, toilets (some stinky and some smelling just fine), and fire wood via the campground host. Fire wood is also available 0.8 miles up the road at Baker Lake Resort .  For reservations call: 1-877-444-6777 or go to:  http://www.reserveusa.com/  Forest Service reservations.

2.  Baker Lake Resort has tons of camp sites (all wooded), and cabins.  Camp store (but no beer or wine), launch ramp, you name it.  Reservations can be made by calling toll free:  1-888-711-3033.

References: 

Mount Baker/Snoqualmie National Forest Web Site:  http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/mbs/

Camping and Picnicking on Baker Lake Road:  http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/mbs/recreation/activities/campgrounds/bakerlake.shtml

Baker Lake Resort:  http://www.hikercentral.com/campgrounds/112608.html

Baker Hot Springs:  http://www.nwhotsprings.net/baker.htm

Panorama Point Campground Map:  http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/mbs/recreation/activities/campgrounds/maps/panorama_point_map.htm