Hiking Lake Ann, The Ups and Downs — Mount Baker Highway

Lake Ann in 2022 — The picture doesn’t do it justice!!

Two things you should know: I love hiking and I am a terrible hiker. I didn’t grow up hiking, I went on long walks and can walk for hours and be a happy camper but as soon as there is an incline I will be winded for a smidge. Since attending Apex and Temple Fitness NW I am hopeful that I’ll be better at hiking and this month I have had hiking Lake Ann on my mind after Chef and I hiked it with a friend in August of 2022.

As I contemplate and conjure these memories of this stunning hike, I can still vividly recall the ups and downs and the car ride home thinking… I am not doing that again… And yet the mountain calls to me to hike it again anyway.

The Empowering Start to Hiking Lake Ann

Like all good hikers, we had planned to get there early, but in truth I don’t think we arrived until 8AM - 9AM and it wasn’t full yet as the summer sun was still warming up the world. The trail begins just below Artist Point and we parked in a paved lot. The glorious start had me feeling powerful and magnificent because it was downhill on switchbacks. Which our more experienced hiking friend told us it was through “sub-alpine forest”. Which upon researching, means it is a high-elevation ecosystem located just below the tree line on mountains. The vegetation is hardy evergreen conifers like subalpine fir, Engelmann spruce, and mountain hemlock. It’s a stunning start and after going down for a bit the trail opens up to this awesome basin that’s level and just delightful.

I remember Chef pointing at the ridge surrounding us and going, “Wouldn’t it be so cool if we could get up there?” I laughed and was like, “Ah, No. Nah, thanks!” This portion of the trail was well-maintained and we could see little glimpses of Shuksan and Baker.

There were other hikers returning already and others passing us but for the most part it wasn’t crowded. It made me feel safe that there was a consistent flow of folks every fifteen to twenty minutes.

The Climb to Mordor

As we continued following the well-defined trail we started to see movement on the ridges above. The ridges Chef had pointed at… The people that had passed us with an adventurous dog… What were they doing up there?? Surely they were just going on a different adventure. They looked expereinced. There was no way that was the trail we were supposed to take… NOPE. The fun of the basin had ended.

After such an empowering beginning I was smacked with the fact I am on a hike and should’ve hydrated more the day before, the morning of, and right now. Luckily, Chef and our friend are just the best. They happily gabbed and yapped and handed me water as I would do short bursts then need a pause. The sun also was showing off at this point as it felt like we walked and climbed up a talus slope.

Luckily, there were views to take in at every point. Then as my brain kept thinking pondering how many more turns and rocks we were suddenly looking down at Lake Ann from the saddle!

We Forgot Our Swimsuits…

We didn’t forget, we just didn’t think about it. At the top, A LAKE! Stunning, cold, blue, Lake! We cheered for Ann as we continued down the trail. We saw campers, waterfalls, and a glorious view of Mount Shuksan. We found a lovely boulder and ate lunch — Another mini mistake, I didn’t eat enough even though Chef prepared a GLORIOUS and calorically brilliant food. No matter how tired you are — EAT YOUR HIKING LUNCH. We took our shoes off and enjoyed the lake. Splashing water up our arms. I was a bit hesistant since I have sensitive skin but my skin did great in the glacier water. I will say, wear your sunscreen, because I missed a spot around my sleeve and that burn mark lasted for a good year. So, after eating, resting, cooling up, and putting our hiking shoes back on it was time to return home.

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What Went Down Must go Up.

Going down the rocks, great fun.

Going back through the basin, a blast.

Going back up the two miles from the lush meadow to the trail head in the forest: misery.

I felt so slow, it was very hot, and while I was grateful to be under the arms of the trees I felt so wiped out (remember: eat your lunch). Perhaps part of it was embarrassment because I was so excited to be hiking with our friend, but everyone was patient and kind to me so while I was feeling like the beginning was never upon us with every switch back, before I knew it… POOF! Back at the beginning again.

Tough and endlessly worth it.

It is such a funny thing to have the opportunity to put one foot in front of the other and be lead to something beautiful from a new perspective. While it was a struggle for me, it is still one of my fond hiking memories. Though I must admit, I really gotta go on more “easy” hikes because I am constantly going on moderate/hard hikes! Nevertheless, hiking Lake Ann is one I keep close to my heart and hopefully will adventure to it again soon!