Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest

ABOUT US

Welcome to the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, one of the most visited forests in the country, located on the western slopes of the Cascade mountain range extending over 140 miles between Seattle, Washington and Vancouver, British Columbia. Here you will find glacier-covered peaks, spectacular mountain meadows and old-growth forests.

As you explore the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest you will rediscover nature on a personal level. We have a little of everything to accommodate the most experienced outdoor enthusiast to the beginning hiker. The forest offers year-round recreational possibilities as well as educational opportunities. Tour the forest, visit one our lakes or rivers, go fishing, river rafting, bird watching, or for a change of pace try snowshoeing or skiing. Whatever your outdoor interest may be, the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest will amaze and inspire you. Come visit and learn what nature is all about and experience first-hand the stunning vistas, native plants and alpine ecosystems.

History of the Forest

Scenic Tours

Forest Facts

Recreation Opportunities

Wilderness Areas

Location

Explore and Play

The Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest is easily accessible by I-5 and several state highways. Starting at the north boundary of the forest, you can take a drive on the Mt. Baker Scenic Byway (State Route 542). This paved road starts at the town of Glacier, winds along the scenic North Fork Nooksack River, and climbs to an elevation of 5,140 feet to its well-name destination, Artist Point. This area is legendary for its spectacular views of Mt. Baker and Mt. Shuksan. For more information contact the Mt. Baker Ranger District.

Proceeding south through the forest, find State Route 20 and follow it east to view one of the largest populations of bald eagles in the United States located along the Skagit River. These eagles are attracted to the Skagit River by five native salmon species and sea-going trout, which populate the river. State Route 20 will eventually lead you into the heart of the North Cascades National Park.

Learn more about the Skagit Wild and Scenic River

South of the Skagit River basin, the Stillaguamish, Sauk and Suiattle Rivers create their own magic on the landscape along with the rural communities of Darrington and Granite Falls that access the Mountain Loop Scenic Byway. Along this byway, visit the historic Verlot Public Service Center, or take a four-mile hike/bike trip into the past to visit Monte Cristo, a mining ghost town. Scattered campgrounds ranging from large and modern to rustic alcoves dot the North Fork Sauk River. For more information contact the Darrington Ranger District.

Traveling along Highway 2 you can enter the center of the national forest along the Skykomish River, a rafting adventurers' dream. Grab your skis! In just two hours you will be gliding down the slopes at Stevens Pass Ski Area. Check in at the Stevens Pass Historic District for an overview of the area's colorful railroad and mining past. For more information contact the Skykomish Ranger District.

The southern part of the National Forest offers a multitude of recreational possibilities. The Snoqualmie Ranger District located just east of Seattle along Interstate 90 is the gateway to Snoqualmie Pass, where downhill skiing, snowshoeing and extraordinary hiking awaits you. Don't miss the endless miles in the awe-inspiring Alpine Lakes Wilderness or the historicMather Memorial Parkway (State Route 410) another recreational haven. On a clear day, enjoy spectacular views of Mt. Rainier. If you require fast-paced excitement, take a spin in the off-road vehicle area at Evans Creek, or zip down the slopes of Crystal Mountain Ski Area. If you prefer peace and solitude you can escape and leave the world behind. For more information contact the Snoqualmie Ranger District.

US Forest Service - Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
Last Modified: Monday, 15 December 2008 at 12:57:40 EST