Artist Point sits at the very end of the Mount Baker Highway, right between Mount Baker and Mount Shuksan. In summer you can drive almost to the top and walk out onto ridges with glaciers, alpine lakes and wildflowers all around you.
It's a beautiful place for an elopement for two, a small ceremony with a few guests or an anniversary film. I film quietly and naturally, so the day feels like yours and not like a photo shoot.
Michelle and Michael celebrated their anniversary at Artist Point. Their short film is below.
Artist Point itself, with Mount Shuksan and Mount Baker on either side, Picture Lake and its famous reflection of Shuksan, the Heather Meadows area, or a short hike like Artist Ridge or Table Mountain for more privacy. This is national forest land: groups under 75 people don't need a special use permit, and designated wilderness areas are limited to 12 people.
The road to Artist Point usually opens in early July and closes with the first real snow, anytime from late September to early November. Mid-July through September is the sweet spot: snowmelt lakes, wildflowers in August and red fall color on the slopes in September.
Sunset is magic here, with warm alpenglow on Shuksan and Baker. Mornings can be foggy, which is beautiful in its own way. Weekdays and sunrise are the quietest times at the viewpoints.
Artist Point is about three hours from Seattle: north on I-5 to Bellingham, then east on the Mount Baker Highway. Parking needs a day pass or a valid recreation pass, and cell service is limited near the top, so we plan the timeline together in advance.
Tell me about your plans. I'll reply within a day with my availability. Elopement films start at $2,000.