Road to Artist Point is closing

Here's another sure sign that fall is back again: The road to Artist Point, a popular Whatcom County tourist spot, will close today at 5 p.m., and remain closed until late next spring or possibly early summer.

Cold weather and snow are forecast for tonight and throughout the week. Three inches of snow or more could fall on the road to Artist Point, Highway 542, the state Department of Transportation said.

Transportation crews will move the permanent closure gates into place at milepost 54.7, just north of the Mount Baker ski area near the parking lot for the Bagley and Chain lakes trailhead.

Artist Point, which is more than 5,000 feet above sea level and typically buried under snow for much of the year, is at the very end of the Mount Baker Highway and boasts 360-degree views of Mount Shuksan and Mount Baker, and access to a number of trails.

Last year the road was closed on Sept. 27; the year before on Oct. 24. It was opened to traffic this year on July 18.