Lake Ann Trail

Lake Ann Trail (Trail #600) is an out-and-back day hike in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest that starts at Austin Pass (just below Artist Point) and heads into the Mt. Baker Wilderness toward Lake Ann near Mount Shuksan. Expect a long approach through forest and meadows, with the route built around steady changes in elevation rather than technical climbing.

The trail route begins by descending from Austin Pass into the headwaters of the Swift Creek drainage, then transitions from meadow into shaded forest. Roughly mid-way, it crosses Swift Creek and builds toward a saddle above Lake Ann, where the route line sets up the final drop to the lake area.

From the Swift Creek area, the hike gains elevation through subalpine forest, heather, and talus, including rocky sections and switchbacks as you move out of the drainage. The overall climb is substantial for “easy”-labeled hiking in a day-hike context, but it’s distributed rather than consisting of one short, brutal pitch.

At about the 4-mile point you reach a saddle overlooking Lake Ann. This is the practical turnaround focus for most day hikers—an extended lookout position for Mount Shuksan and the Curtis Glacier area rather than a climb to a high summit.

A short unsigned junction appears on the way down toward the lake: the left fork leads toward the Fisher Chimneys route for climbers attempting Mt. Shuksan, while the right fork leads toward lakeside campsites. Lake Ann hikers typically stay with the right fork to reach the lake area.

This is a short hiking-specific member route lengthwise (standard/terra trail surface with ground) and is designated for hikers only. No potable water is available at the fee site/trailhead, and the area has wildlife including frequent black bears, so manage food and scented items accordingly.

Access runs through the Mt. Baker Highway (SR 542) to Artist Point/Austin Pass; when SR 542 is closed to Artist Point, the closest parking is at Bagley Lakes Trailhead. Day-use parking requires a Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful pass (and the fee site follows recreation pass payment rules).

Seasonally, plan around late summer through fall use patterns for the route; overnight use rules shift once you’re in North Cascades National Park, including the need for a backcountry permit for overnight stays (with fishing requiring a Washington State fishing license).

More information: Visitor information, Visitor information, Lake Ann (Mount Shuksan) - The Mountaineers