Picture Lake
Glacier, WA
A small lake at Heather Meadows whose surface reflects the glaciers of Mount Shuksan. A short level loop circles the shore; it is reached by SR-542 and stays snowy until early summer.
Picture Lake is a small mountain lake in the Heather Meadows area on the Mount Baker Highway (State Route 542) near Glacier, Whatcom County, Washington. It is known for the reflection of Mount Shuksan, which Scenic Washington calls one of the most photographed mountain scenes in North America.
According to the US Forest Service, the path along the shore is an accessible family trail with a paved viewpoint, a platform at the water's edge and benches. Roadside parking offers four entrances to the path. In summer there are interpretive signs and a viewing scope. Dogs must be leashed, and swimming and boating in the lake are prohibited.
Practical notes: the site is open year-round, the path is typically snow-free from July to October, and the lake can stay snow-covered into June. Chains are required from November 15 to April 1. A day-use fee applies ($5 per vehicle); the Washington Discover Pass is not valid here, while the Northwest Forest Pass and Interagency passes, among others, are accepted (as of October 2026, check in advance).
- Nearest town
- Glacier, WA
- Category
- Scenic viewpoints
- GPS
- 48.8657, -121.6780
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Park Creek CampgroundCampsite9 mi from Picture Lake · 12 pitchesCaravansToiletsDogs allowed
- Swift Creek CampgroundCampsite9 mi from Picture LakeTentsCaravansDrinking waterToiletsDogs allowed
- Shannon Creek CampgroundCampsite9 mi from Picture LakeCaravansDrinking waterToiletsDogs allowed
- Panorama Point CampgroundCampsite10 mi from Picture LakeCaravansDrinking waterToiletsDogs allowed
- Douglas Fir CampgroundCampsite11 mi from Picture LakeTentsCaravansDrinking waterToiletsDogs allowed
- Horseshoe Cove CampgroundCampsite13 mi from Picture LakeCaravansDrinking waterToiletsDogs allowed
All campsites in Washington · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Picture Lake?
Picture Lake is in Glacier, WA, at GPS 48.8657, -121.6780. It is about 24 mi from Newhalem.
Can you camp near Picture Lake?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Silver Fir Campground, about 3 mi away; within 25 mi there are 20 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Picture Lake?
Picture Lake is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Chuckanut Drive and the Mount Baker Highway.
What is there to see near Picture Lake?
Places worth a stop nearby: Artist Point (1 mi), Nooksack Falls (7 mi), Diablo Lake Overlook (28 mi) and Larrabee State Park (40 mi).
When is the best time to visit Picture Lake?
The most pleasant months are usually May–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)