Lake Ann's rocky, barren shoreline is not why so many make this hike. It's the grand views of Mt. Baker along the way, then Mt. Shuksan and the Curtis Glacier.
Photo: Sunset illuminates Mt. Shuksan and the Curtis Glacier. Taken from Shuksan Arm above Lake Ann.
There are two ways to go--along the ridge known as Shuksan Arm, or the way we went, following a trail into the Swift Creek valley and up to the lake. We started from Austin Pass (where you can snowboard all summer) on a sunny August day. At first the trail drops gently about 800' to a broad, green valley, and crosses Swift Creek at 2.3 miles. Then it immediately climbs back above the original trailhead elevation at a saddle, 3.8 miles. From here, drop to the lake or climb up onto Shuksan Arm, for campsites at either place. There's a side hike to a close-up experience with the glacier.
Camps on the Arm have no water, but the snow sticks until September. From our camp we could see Baker out the front of the tent and Shuksan out the back. Steve walked higher up onto the Arm while Vicki napped and I repaired a sputtering stove. Waterfalls and frequent avalanche thunder provided background music for a beautiful sunset. The meteor shower was at its peak--I got 12 before I konked out. After sunrise, clouds moved in and obscured the scenery.
Stats: 4 miles to the lake. Trailhead 4750', low point 3930', high point (saddle) 4800', camps on the Arm, 5000'. Size of snow fields at 3 miles depends on the time of year; they were down to about 100 yards this August weekend.
Getting there: Drive to the town of Glacier, then continue up, past the Mt. Baker ski area, to Auston Pass, which is not where the sign is, but just beyond it. The trailhead is marked and there's a small parking lot.
Note: This is backcountry wilderness travel. Any trail can become very dangerous in winter conditions. You are responsible for informing yourself of the hazards and taking the necessary precautions. Please read Terms of Use.