8 hours in Bellingham...what to do

Ok well the title is probably a bit misleading so let me explain. This next weekend 8/8 i'll be up in Bellingham visiting a friend. The only issue she works noon till 8 so i will basically have 10 hours (giving her an hour before and after work) to myself and having never really been in the area i come here seeking advice!

I was thinking of getting some turns in the Baker area (Artists Point maybe...never been there though) or just go for a hike somewhere. but again i don't know the area so if someone would be kind enough to point me to some good trails or wants to give some beta on a ski tour spot i'd be pretty grateful! As for the late start on the touring....its August, turns are turns and i dont care what the snow is like at 6PM in the day long as im able to slide down the snow

Thanks in advance!
Nick

Sounds like you're spot on for Markharf's stomping grounds and scheduling... although noon may still be a bit early for Mark to venture out. :

lol well that doesnt bother me. late starts that is. i just gotta figure out what i want to do for 10 hours

Mark should be around...
As soon as he gets out of bed.
He'll know where you should go.
Tim and a few of the other "Bellingham Bandits" will likely also give you some pointers.

If I were in your shoes, I would go to Diego's and get a couple BCR burritos!

I fully expected a trip report from the indefatigable Telemon, reportedly departing early this morning from the Artist Point parking lot in search of August turns....but alas! no such luck. So in the event that the OP checks back tomorrow, here's the basic picture:

My favorite August playground has been rendered less-than-optimally-accessible by a road washout, leaving Ptarmigan Ridge the only realistic option. Driving at an unreasonable rate of speed, the Artist Point parking lot is a mere hour and 20 minutes from Bellingham. Once arrived, try not to get distracted by all the weird and wonderful sights there; find the trail which drops slightly downhill from the southwest-ish corner of the parking lot and proceeds directly towards Mt. Baker, looming unmistakably five or six miles ahead.

Since your time is limited, don't dawdle. You'll find little, runneled snowfields in an hour or so; longer runs in another hour if you hurry. By now, most probably extend a thousand feet or less, and they'll be predominantly mellow in pitch unless you go to great lengths to ferret out the steeper bits. The snow and scenery will both improve the further out Ptarmigan Ridge you go, but the walk back to the car can be crippling if tired and rushed. Take lots of water, sunscreen and a hat, and wear running shoes for the approach---not boots. Note that there may still be a steep-ish snowfield to cross, for which you might crave traction devices or an axe/whippet.

If your friend is worth it, try not to succumb to over-optimism when determining your turnaround time; the hike will take exactly as long on the return as it did on the approach. You'd best be moving at a brisk clip if you want to get in more than a cursory run. The scenery, however, will be worth it no matter what you manage to accomplish.

Hope that helps. I can be awakened from a sound sleep anytime after noon, if absolutely necessary.

Mark