Distance: 278 miles (round trip)
Time to complete: ~8 hrs w/ stops
Will and I headed to Artist Point at Mount Baker, yesterday. Neither of us had ridden Highway 542. The weather was perfect for our arrival at about noon, after being overcast earlier in the day.
The riding was fun, scenic, with enough twists to keep it interesting. Hwy 9, north of Hwy 20 (Sedrow-Woolley) was not the congested highway it is further south, but lightly traveled and twisty. Hwy 542 was in good shape. There are some frost heaves in the roadway typical of many of the scenic byways in the mountains, and some gravel remaining from the winter driving season, but it was fun and gorgeous on this holiday weekend.
The following images were taken on our descent from Artist Point, using the GoPro mounted on my helmet, taking a photo every 10 seconds. This is a strategy I employ when stopping alongside the road may not be an option.
On our ride home, we diverted along Mosquito Lake Road. It was a pleasant alternative to a straighter section of Hwy 9.
I can’t believe I haven’t taken this ride before this weekend. I predict I will try other new Washington roads this summer. Can’t wait!