Tourists Are So Stuck On Mount Rainier National Park, They Overlook This Scenic Forest Gem

Mount Rainier National Park features vast fields of wildflowers, forests of evergreen trees, and the iconic 14,410 foot Mount Rainier. This active volcano is even visible from Seattle despite being nearly a 100-mile drive away. Such attributes make Mount Rainier National Park fairly popular among tourists. However, Washington has plenty of nature escapes with similar evergreen forests and snowcapped mountain scenery, but with fewer crowds.

Stretching from the northern edge of Mount Rainier National Park to the western edge of North Cascades National Park is Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. This long-winded title is fitting given that its total land area is a whopping 1.7 million acres. Even still, many of its highlights are easy to reach. U.S. Highway 2, a popular road trip route across the northern U.S., runs to the southern sections of the national forest. State Route 542, further north, gets close to Mount Baker. Both roads connect with Interstate 5 along the Puget Sound. With 10,000-foot-tall peaks, ski slopes, pristine lakes, and waterfalls, what makes the Pacific Northwest so beloved is all on display at Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.

For Rainier-like views without the crowds in Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, it doesn't get much better than visiting Mount Baker itself. This 10,778-foot-tall volcano is best experienced on skis and snowboards. The Mount Baker Ski Area offers equipment rentals along with a variety of lessons from single day to multi-week courses. Like most around the United States, this popular western ski resort has all types of routes from green to double black diamond. After hitting the slopes, warm up at the Heather Meadows Day Lodge. The lodge is open during warmer months as well and features a cafe with gorgeous views of the mountain's summertime greenery.

Another summertime activity here is a drive to Artist Point at the end of State Route 542, which is open from late June until the first major snowfall (usually early October). Artist Point showcases awe-inspiring views of Mount Baker and the neighboring Mount Shuksan. Near the parking lot, explore more of this incredible nature by taking your pick from multiple hiking trails, including Chain Lakes Trail. As the name suggests, this woodsy path is beloved for its views of vibrant blue alpine lakes nestled among the mountain peaks. Chain Lakes Trail is 6.5 miles round trip, and you can access it from its own trailhead or from the Heather Meadows Visitor Center via the Wild Goose Trail.

Aside from adrenaline-filled activities like skiing, Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest has some more calm and ethereal experiences as well. One of them is Bridal Veil Falls. Access the 4-mile round trip trail to this waterfall from Mount Index Road. Bridal Veil Falls is over 100 feet tall and surrounded by what feels like layers of towering trees. You can even get close enough to feel the gentle, misty water tumbling down Mount Index. Mount Index itself is 6,000 feet tall and to get a wide view of this giant, continue south on the same trail to Lake Serene. Steep mountains rise nearly straight upward from the edges of this seemingly untouched space, making it well worth the few extra steps from Bridal Veil Falls.

One unusual feature of Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest is the Big Four Ice Caves. In this area, snow piles from avalanches build up along the base of the Big Four Mountain. Subsequent melting and airflow create cave-like formations which can be explored on foot. Find the Big Four Ice Caves trailhead from Mountain Loop Highway. This forested 2.2-mile round trip hiking trail ends at the caves, but includes more beautiful views along the way. With boardwalks and few steep sections, this trail is enjoyable for outdoor enthusiasts young and old. When you are done, make sure to take in more beautiful Pacific Northwest scenery along this stunning roadtrip route.