Road to popular Artist Point destination could open early

BELLINGHAM, Wash. (AP) — State transportation crews have started clearing snow from the road leading to a popular at the end of the Mount Baker Highway.

The Department of Transportation says lack of snow means the road to Artist Point could open by early May, which would be the earliest opening on record.

Artist Point is located at end of State Route 542, known as the Mount Baker Highway. It's a popular destination with panoramic views of Mount Shuksan and Mount Baker and offers access to a number of trails.

A 2.7 mile stretch of road typically closes after the first major snowfall of the year in late September or early October and opens in July.

Last year, the road opened July 1.