Hiking Table Mountain in the Mount Baker Wilderness Area
Contents
Table Mountain Hike Information
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 4.50Km (2.80 Miles)
Elevation Gain: 210m (689 Ft.)
Highest Elevation: 1,748m (5,735 Ft.)
Average Gradient: 11.00%
Effort/Reward Ratio: Low / High
Time Needed:
– Slow: 2 – 3 Hours
– Moderate: 1.5 – 2 Hours
– Fast: 1 – 1.5 Hours
Dogs Permitted?: Yes
Season: ~July to October
4×4 / High Clearance Required? No
Scrambling / Exposure: None
Table Mountain Trail
Trailhead Coordinates: 48°50’48.7″N 121°41’35.9″W
Table Mountain Overview
Table Mountain is one of the easily accessed summits from Artist Point in the Mount Baker Wilderness area of northern Washington. Thanks to the ability to park at over 1,500m (4,920 Ft.) this sizable peak is easy to reach, requiring a short hike that can be completed in a little over an hour round trip. As with every trail beginning at Artist Point, the views from Table Mountain are fantastic, especially of Mount Baker and Mount Shuksan.
As a standalone hike Table Mountain is likely a little short for most parties considering it’s generally a long drive out. Most groups that complete this hike will add it on to another hike in the region, typically the Chain Lakes Loop, but potentially also Huntoon Point or Ptarmigan Ridge.
In terms of seasonality, due to the elevation of this hike it is pretty much a peak summer trail only. While you can theoretically climb Table Mountain in the winter (skiers like to do this in order to ski off its steep northeastern slopes), it’s more of a mountaineering objective at that point, with very steep snow travel and significant avalanche risk. Furthermore, access to the Artist Point trailhead is reliant upon Mount Baker Highway being open for the season, so you should check to make sure it is, especially if going early or late in the season. If it’s not open then you will likely have to park further down the highway at the winter parking lot, making this a longer trip. Generally speaking, July to October is the peak season.
While Table Mountain is a fairly straightforward hike it does require some very steep, narrow switchbacks to get up to it. Some people with a particular fear of heights, or even vertigo, may find this a little challenging.
Dogs are welcome on this trail.
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Is Table Mountain worthwhile?
Table Mountain is a great little hike with stunning views throughout. If you are just looking for a quick and simple trip from Artist Point, this is probably the best option in the summer. If you want to have a fuller outing you should combine Table with another hike in the area, such as the Chain Lakes Loop or Ptarmigan Ridge.
How difficult is the hike to Table Mountain?
At just 4.5km (2.8 Miles) and 210m (689 Ft.) elevation gain this is a very simple hike, however most of that elevation gain is up a series of very steep switchbacks to gain the eastern plateau of Table. Beyond these switchbacks, the remainder of the hike to the summit is very mellow and scenic.
Technically the hike is straightforward. The only challenge could be the switchbacks, which as noted are steep and narrow. Some people with a fear of heights or vertigo may find these a little unnerving.
Table Mountain Route Information
Mount Baker highway is a paved road accessible to all vehicles. To park anywhere in the area you will need to buy a Northwest Forest Pass. There is a clearly signed pullout to buy one along the highway nearer the end, so if you don’t already have one, stop there and buy it (credit cards accepted). The parking for Table Mountain is at Artist Point, where Mount Baker Highway ends.
From the parking lot, head to the west end where you will find a couple of trails. You’ll want to make sure you don’t descend towards the Chain Lakes Trail, and instead follow the trail up towards Table Mountain.
You’ll pass over a rocky section towards the base of the steep, seemingly impassable cliffs of Table, following a trail along the way. As you approach the base you’ll see the route up, a steep, zigzagging trail passing through several switchbacks along the way. Ascending this series of switchbacks covers around 100 vertical meters of gain (328 Ft.). While technically simple (there’s no scrambling), less experienced hikers may find the steepness a little dizzying. Just take your time and stop whenever you like along the way, it doesn’t take long to reach the top.
At the top you will reach the eastern end of Table Mountain. The views from here are actually some of the best on the Table Mountain plateau, with both Mount Shuksan and Mount Baker clearly on display. Some parties will just stop here, but the actual summit of Table requires you to follow the vast ridge to the western end.
There is a fairly obvious trail the whole way that stays close to the southern rim of Table the entire time, offering plenty of views along the way. The terrain up here is amenable to exploration though, so there’s no real need to stick to the trail, you can alternatively just hike over the boulders / snow if you prefer.
Most of the trail is mellow, with only around 80m (262 Ft.) elevation difference between the eastern end of the ridge and the peak itself. After following the trail for around 1km you’ll reach the western edge of Table, where the trail now wraps around, heading north towards the true summit. Unfortunately the summit area is mostly treed, but if you continue following the trail you’ll reach the northern rim, offering nice views over to Mount Herman. It’s hard to really say where is best to stop for a break and enjoy a snack as there isn’t really an end destination on Table Mountain, but this is as good a place as any.
You’re now at the end of the official trail, but rather than backtracking to the west you can simply find your own way back to the southeastern rim over the boulders heading east. It’s all very simple terrain and it’s practically impossible to get lost. Once you’re back on the trail you simply return to the trailhead the same way you came.
When should I hike Table Mountain?
If you want to avoid snow then you should probably time this one for July to the end of September. June will quite likely still have snow around, which isn’t an issue on the broad plateau of Table itself (this can hold snow well into the summer, but it’s so flat up there that you don’t even need spikes), but it would be a major issue on the steep switchbacks up.
As noted, some people do go in winter, but that’s really only for the most adventurous groups experienced in winter travel.
Top Tip
There is no shade on this hike, so bring plenty of sun protection. Also bring bug spray, as certain times of the summer they can be bad.
This is a very popular area, so an early start is suggested if going on a weekend as Artist Point can fill up quickly. Ideally you’ll be at the trailhead by 8am to ensure a parking spot.
If you want to extend the hike, consider adding on either Huntoon Point or the Chain Lakes Loop.
