A PNW Mountain Escape

Beating restlessness with a killer Mt. Baker day trip

It creeps up on me every week.

That gnawing, crawling feeling. Like I need to get the fuck out of here. Like if I don’t escape soon, I’m going to lose my mind.

Restlessness. I hate it.

My life is built in a way that almost everything depends on me. I know that’s true for most of us, but I feel that weight constantly. The stress, the pressure… it builds, and when it does, I start unraveling.

How I Know It’s Happening

When I ignore that feeling, things go downhill fast.

• I get bitchy, the kind of cranky where someone should just hand me a Snickers and walk away.

• My creativity and focus go to shit. Instead of leaning into my work, all I can think about is escaping from it.

• I have less to give to my wife, kids, or team. Instead of being present, I retreat, not because I don’t care, but because I haven’t given myself the space I need to breathe.

I become a worse version of myself. And all because I haven’t done one simple thing:

Running Away to the Mountains.

The only way I’ve found to keep that restlessness from consuming me is to run away to the mountains. If I don’t break out of my routine at least once a week, my entire way of being starts to fall apart. The mountains are my therapy, my reset button, my way of making sure I don’t lose my mind. I ski, I hike, even just a drive can suffice.

And if I don’t? I pay for it. My work suffers. My relationships suffer. I suffer.

Now, I get it! Not everyone has mountains nearby. That’s fine.

Find a beach.
Find a river.
Find a park, a hill, or even a quiet patch of trees.

Whatever it is, find a way to disconnect from the grind and reconnect with some nature. You might not realize how much you need it, until you do.

If You’re Ever Near Seattle, I’ve Got Your Fix.

Because of my constant need to escape to the mountains, I’ve built up a solid collection of great PNW destinations along with some choice stops along the way.

Today, I want to share a single-day adventure to Mount Baker in Washington.

The coolest part about this trip? You can choose your own adventure.

• Winter? Main event - Hit the slopes at Mount Baker Ski Area.

• Summer? Main event - Hike some of the most stunning trails in the state.

ITINERARY

🚗 Getting There

There are two ways to get to Mount Baker:

1. Straight up I-5 to Bellingham, then take Mount Baker Highway 542.

2. Take Highway 9 through Burlington, then connect to 542.

We’ll assume you’re taking the Bellingham route, it’s shorter and the roads are usually in better shape.

☕ Breakfast Stop: Xtreme Bean Espresso

Before you start the climb up the mountain, fuel up.

📍 Stop at Xtreme Bean Espresso for a quick breakfast and coffee.
My order? The Xtreme Burrito (bacon, sausage, eggs, cheese, hashbrowns, and their special sauce 🤤) plus a triple-shot vanilla latte. You’re gonna need the caffeine and carb load for what’s ahead.

From here, enjoy the 44-mile drive up to Mount Baker. It’s gorgeous.

🏂 Winter at Mount Baker: Ski Like a Local

If you’re visiting in the winter, good chance you’re here to ski - Here’s the map ⬇️

I prefer the White Salmon Lodge over Heather Meadows, it’s got a better vibe. And on a clear day, the views are unreal - See below:

A Few Tips for a Killer Ski Day:

• Powder Day? Everyone is racing to Chair 6. You should too.

• Groomer Day? Stick to Chairs 4, 5, and 7.

• Need a break? Head to Raven Hut, the mid-mountain lodge. Its the best place to grab a beer, a snack, and warm up by the fire.

🥾 Summer at Mount Baker: Hike to Unreal Views

If you’re visiting in the summer, drive all the way up to Artist Point (after July, when the snow finally melts).

This is the gateway to some of the best hiking in Washington.

Two Hikes, Depending on Your Mood:

• For a challenge: Ptarmigan Ridge Hike (Not for beginners!)

  

• For an easy adventure: Huntoon Point via Artist Ridge Trail (Beginner-friendly!)

  

A Few Hiking Tips:

• Arrive early—Artist Point parking fills up fast.

• Bring a backpack with water, bug spray, sunscreen, and snacks. You will need all of them.

• Wear layers—temps can swing wildly, even in summer.

• Pack out your trash. Respect the land.

• Stay on the trail. This is real wilderness. If you get lost or injured out here, you’re screwed.

🌊 Stop at Nooksack Falls

On your way back down, make a quick detour to Nooksack Falls.

📍 Turn left 14 miles down from the ski area.
🚨 Be careful: The road can be rough as hell with potholes. If there’s snow, it might be closed.

Explore the viewpoint, take in the falls, and if you’re feeling extra adventurous—you can climb under the bridge to get a better angle Like The Photo above
(Warning: Don’t be a fucking idiot. You can die here if you’re reckless.)

🍕 Last Stop: The North Fork Brewery & Pizza Shrine

CHEERS! By now, you’re starving. Time for some legendary local pizza and beer.

📍 North Fork Brewery & Pizza Shrine
This place is always packed for a reason.

What to order?

• Beer cheese appetizer (trust me on this).

• Any beer of your liking

• The White pizza (don’t let the seeds freak you out—it’s the best thing on the menu).

Note: If you don’t get this pizza, you’re absolutely doing it wrong.

Mission Accomplished: Restlessness Cured.

After a day like this, I guarantee your restlessness will be gone—at least for a little while. It works for me every single time, and I’m willing to bet it’ll work for you too.

If you want more recommendations or a place to stay nearby, drop a comment.

Otherwise… have you ever been to Mount Baker? What’s your favorite stop along the way?

Hope you get out there and kill the fucking restlessness - by living fully.

- Jon