Much of the road follows the North Fork Nooksack River, which runs in a gorge 400 feet deep in places. Pullouts along the way let you stop for gazing and pictures. Nooksack Falls, just a few miles west of Glacier, plummets 175 feet in two columns.

Just before the big climb at the end of the drive, watch for a forest of 500 year old western red cedar.

Heather Meadows offers views of Mt. Shuksan and Mt. Baker, a 10,778-foot active volcano which occasionally emits steam and sulfurous fumes and has active glaciers down to 4,000 feet elevation. Self-guided interpretive trails and a staffed visitor center in an historical setting welcome the summer visitor. During the winter months, the Mt. Baker Ski Area offers alpine skiing and snowboarding.

2 - GLACIER CREEK ROAD
This 9 mile side trip takes you to a fabulous view (weather permitting) of Coleman Glacier on the west side of Mount Baker.

3 - NOOKSACK FALLS
The kind of thundering waterfall that gave the Cascades their name, these falls tumble 175 feet.

4 - THE CLIMB
Here the road hangs on to the hillside as it winds up toward its spectacular summit. You'll see columnar basalt in the road cuts, waterfalls, and tiny alpine lakes.

5 - HEATHER MEADOWS
Probably one of the most photographed and filmed (including Hollywood productions) places in the state, this fabulous area has trails, picnicking, interpreters, and a ski area with a day lodge open during the summer weekends.

6 - ARTIST POINT
A scenery highlight of the Heather Meadows area and the end of the byway. You're well above timberline here, with several trails to choose from including a alpine interpretive trail.