[1] The lake is situated in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest and Baker River valley southwest of North Cascades National Park and is fed by the Baker River along with numerous smaller tributaries.

The lake is approximately 10 miles (16 km) north of the town of Concrete, Washington.

[2] Formerly a smaller natural body of water, it was enlarged and raised 312 feet (95 m) in 1959 in conjunction with the construction of the Upper Baker Dam, a concrete gravity hydroelectric dam capable of generating 91 megawatts.

[3] Baker Lake is a popular recreational area for fishing, camping, and boating and attracts local residents from adjacent Whatcom and Skagit counties.

The Baker Lake area is also home to Swift Creek Campground which features 55 private campsites for tents or RVs, 2 group site as well as a boat ramp and marina.