GLACIER, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – One of Whatcom County’s most popular scenic highways is scheduled to reopen to drivers for the summer season on Friday, June 21.

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) announced on June 20 that the final 2.7 miles of the Mount Baker Highway will reopen on Friday, June 21 at 8 a.m.

WSDOT has been sending maintenance crews to the snow-covered roadway, clearing up to 30 feet of snow that covered the road.

Crews worked to remove snow from the final 2.7 miles of SR 542 during the spring, battling harsh weather conditions and slick roads. Courtesy of WSDOT

Narrow and sharp turns on the road near Artist Point make removing ice and snow more difficult that other stretches of SR 542. Throughout the winter, maintenance crews remove snow and ice from the highway through the Heather Meadows area but refrain from working towards Artist Point for safety reasons.

This year, the scenic stretch of the highway is opening one week earlier than 2023.

As this stretch of SR 542 reopens, drivers can expect to see WSDOT and U.S. Forest Service crews completing road repairs and installing signs. Services at Artist Point, specifically restrooms and garbage disposals, are limited for the time being.

WSDOT says over 650 vehicles visit Artist Point every day in the spring and summer.