Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest

Discover the riches of the Mt. Baker Ranger District where forested slopes rise to rocky crags and sub-alpine meadows. Located in the U.S., just south of the Canadian border, this 524,719-acre Ranger District shares boundaries with the North Cascades National Park, managed by the National Park Service. The two agencies work together out of headquarters on scenic State Route 20 in Sedro-Woolley, and jointly operate the Glacier Public Service Center on the Mt. Baker Highway, State Route 542, during the summer season.

The Mt. Baker Highway

State Route 542, A National Forest Scenic Byway
Located in the north end of the Ranger District, the tree-lined byway leads travelers to historic Heather Meadows, home of the Mt. Baker Ski Area. Forest roads lead off the main highway into the heart of the National Forest and trails accessing the Mt. Baker Wilderness and the backcountry of North Cascades National Park.

Visitor staff are available on a seasonal basis at the Glacier Public Service Center to help plan your outing, issue permits for backcountry use in North Cascades National Park, and provide insight to the area's abundant natural and cultural histories. Call 360-599-2714 for current operating hours and information.

Four Seasons of Recreation

During summer months, Mt. Baker's 10,781 foot snow-covered peak rises above the landscape. On a clear day, several vantage points offer spectacular views of neighboring Mt. Shuksan and surrounding slopes of the Cascade Mountain range. In this special place, hikers can head out on over 200 miles of trails and campers can enjoy long evenings in rustic settings. The fall months bring cooler temperatures and lowered snow levels. Hiking access to the high country is limited. Several side roads are groomed turning them into a winter playland for snowmobiles and cross-country skiers. Grooming is funded by the Washington State Parks. A State Sno-Park Permit is required for using the parking and groomed areas, proceeds pay for the grooming.

Unique and Special Places

Visit Heather Meadows

Artist Ridge Trail Heather and huckleberry meadows roll for miles at Heather Meadows near the eastern end of the Mount Baker Scenic Byway, Washington State Route 542. Glistening lakes nestle between knolls. Ridges bristle with 900-year-old mountain hemlock. Even the rocks catch the eye. Lava flows from Mount Baker have resisted glacial carving and columns of basalt stand like black anvils against the sky.

Interpretive signs along the Picture Lake, Fire and Ice and Artist Ridge Trails enhance the story behind this spectacular scenery. Exhibits inside the historical Heather Meadows Visitor Center offer a glimpse into the area’s colorful cultural history.

Meadow Repair
To prevent damage to fragile meadow ecosystems, the U.S. Forest Service has initiated an intensive re-vegetation program within Heather Meadows. Visitors to the area are urged to help. Please observe ‘Meadow Repair’ signs marking overused side trails and denuded areas that undergoing restoration.

Recreational Opportunities
Visitors to Heather Meadows enjoy photographing the scenery, hunting for mountain blueberries, spreading out a picnic lunch and other activities. Picnic tables are centrally located in the Austin Pass Picnic Area. Accessible restrooms are available near the Visitor Center and at Artist Point.

Trails in the Heather Meadows area have been designed primarily for hiker use, with certain sections made barrier free for wheelchair users. All trails are closed to bicycle, motorcycle and pack animal use.

Hiking into the Wilderness
Several trails leave the Heather Meadows area and lead into the surrounding Mount Baker Wilderness where all wilderness rules apply. Group size is limited to a total of 12 persons and pack animals on these trails. Campfires are prohibited at Lake Ann and Chain Lakes to protect fragile sub-alpine vegetation.

Recreation Fees
A Northwest Forest Pass is required when visiting this area. Federal Golden Passports are also honored.

Heather Meadow Guest Speaker Program 2008
The Heather Meadows Guest Speaker Program run on weekends at 1 p.m. for about one-half to one hour. Participants meet at the Heather Meadows Visitor Center along the upper reaches of the Mt. Baker Highway, SR 542. Programs are universally accessible unless otherwise noted. A valid recreation pass is required for parking in the area. View schedule ».

Explore the Skagit Wild and Scenic River System

Segments of the Skagit, Sauk, Suiattle, and Cascade Rivers make up the federally designated Skagit Wild & Scenic River System, located on both the Mt. Baker and Darrington Ranger Districts.

Experience being out on the rivers by launching your own boat, but only if you are an experienced river traveler. If you are not a skilled oarsman, we encourage you to join one of the river outfitters who specialize in guided trips.

Enjoy camping Rasar and Rockport State Parks, Howard Miller Steelhead Park, and Forest Service campgrounds along the Cascade, Sauk, and Suiattle Rivers. Hike lowland trails beside the rivers, or climb high above the valleys on mountain trails, which offer sweeping views.

You may view abundant wildlife along the Skagit, including the largest wintering population of bald eagles in Washington State. Eagles arrive in the late fall, and stay in the area through January, to feed on salmon carcasses. Observe eagles from roadside view points along State Route 20 between the towns of Concrete and Marblemount.

Venture into the Mt. Baker National Recreation Area (NRA)

This impressive mountain landscape on the southeast flanks of Mt. Baker's slopes offers year-round recreational fun. During summer months, hikers and stock parties share trails leading off from the end of Forest Road 13, or through the Middle Fork and South Fork Nooksack River drainages. Winter recreation includes cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and snowshoeing. More on the Mt. Baker NRA.

Baker Lake Beckons

Baker Lake with Mt. Baker in the background.

Drive east on State Route 20, to the Baker River Highway, and beautiful Baker Lake. The area around this nine-mile reservoir features camping, boating, fishing, picnicking, hiking and pack and saddle trips. Developed campgrounds and a summer resort are located on the western side of the lake. The Baker Lake Trail is an easy family hike. It extends along the eastern shoreline, crossing Baker River at the north end of the lake.

Mt. Baker Ranger District