Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest

About Us

The Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest in Washington State extends more than 140 miles along the western slopes of the Cascade Mountains from the Canadian border to the northern boundary of Mt. Rainier National Park. The Forest covers portions of Whatcom, Skagit, Snohomish, King, and Pierce Counties. Together, with the other central Puget Sound counties, 62% (3.63 million people) of the State's population lives within a 70-mile drive of the Forest. Another 1.5 million in the Vancouver, British Columbia metro area are also within easy reach of the northern part of the Forest. The large population factor, coupled with easy road access, makes the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest one of the most visited National Forests in the country.

The Supervisor's Office is headquartered twelve miles north of Seattle in Mountlake Terrace with District offices in Sedro-Woolley, Darrington, Skykomish, and North Bend. The Forest also operates an Outdoor Recreation Information Center in Seattle in partnership with the National Park Service, Northwest Interpretive Association, and REI. A visitor information center at Snoqualmie Pass and public service centers at Enumclaw, Verlot, and Glacier are also staffed (mostly on a seasonal basis) to provide information about the forest.

The Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest contains many scenic and historical points of interest. A colorful past history, including logging and mining, dominates some areas. Mountain tops gradually rise from 5,000 to 6,000 feet on the south end of the forest to 7,000 to 8,000 feet in the north. Two tall volcanoes, Mt. Baker and Glacier Peak, tower thousands of feet above the adjacent ridges. The Forest is home to more glaciers and snow fields than any other National Forest in the lower 48.

The Forest is also rich in lakes, with about 800, mostly in alpine areas. Baker Lake, a 10-mile long reservoir near Mt. Baker, produces hydro power for local electric utilities and provides exceptional recreation opportunities.

The area approaching the Cascade Crest is exceptionally rugged and scenic. In 1968 part of the Forest was transferred to the National Park Service as the North Cascades National Park. In addition, Congressional action over the last 40 years has established the following wilderness areas:. Glacier Peak (1964, 1968, 1984), Alpine Lakes (1976), Mt. Baker (1984), Noisy-Diobsud (1984), Boulder River (1984), Henry M. Jackson (1984), Norse Peak (1984), and Clearwater (1984). These pristine areas provide clean water, solitude, and permanent protection to old-growth forests across 42% of the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.

Congress also established the Skagit Wild and Scenic River system in 1978. Its 125 miles of river on the Skagit, Cascade, Sauk, and Suiattle Rivers provide important wildlife habitat and recreation. The Skagit River System is home to one of the largest winter populations of bald eagles in the United States.

The Forest offers a variety of recreation sites including more than 50 campgrounds, picnic areas and scenic viewpoints, water sport and snowplay areas. The Forest manages seven downhill ski areas, four at Snoqualmie Pass and one each at Crystal Mountain, Stevens Pass and Mt. Baker. There are over 1,500 miles of hiking trails including portions of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail. The Forest also provides ample opportunities for hunting, fishing, skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, river rafting, bird watching, berry picking, picnicking, and sightseeing.

Along with its recreation programs, the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest has significant programs in fisheries and wildlife habitat, soils and watershed, lands and minerals, wood fiber, and human and cultural resources. Nineteen federally-recognized Tribes still utilize areas of the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest that were once inhabited or used by their ancestors. They, along with interest groups such as environmentalists, recreationists and timber industry representatives, take an active interest in the management of the Forest and its resources.

From North to South, Explore the Past, Play in the Present

Lying east of the I-5 corridor, the National Forest is easily accessed by several major State Highways. Starting at the northern boundaries of the Forest, 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 and its well-name destination, Artist Point. This area is legendary for its spectacular views of Mt. Baker and Mt. Shuksan. [ Also see information about the Mt. Baker Ranger District ]

Follow State Route 20 east, and view one of the largest populations of bald eagles in the United States along the Skagit River. What attracts these eagles to the Skagit are five native salmon species and sea-going trout, which also populate the Skagit River. State Route 20 eventually travels into the heart of the neighboring North Cascades National Park. [ Also see information about the Mt. Baker Ranger District ]

South of the Skagit River basin, the Stillaguamish, Sauk, and Suiattle Rivers create their own magic on the landscape. The rural communities of Darrington and Granite Falls access the Mountain Loop Scenic Byway. Along the 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 range from large and modern to rustic alcoves along the North Fork Sauk River. [ Also see information about the Darrington Ranger District ]

Traveling along Highway 2, enter the center of the 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. [ Also see information about the Skykomish Ranger District ]

The southernmost part of the Forest is the Snoqualmie Ranger District (formerly known as the North Bend and White River Ranger Districts). Travel east on Interstate 90 to Snoqualmie Pass, where a multitude of recreational possibilities await you. Don't miss downhill skiing at Snoqualmie Pass. Hike for endless miles in the awe-inspiring Alpine Lakes Wilderness. The historic Mather Memorial Parkway (State Route 410) is the gateway to a recreational haven. On a clear day, enjoy spectacular views of Mt. Rainier. For more excitement, take a spin in the off-road vehicle area at Evans Creek, or zip down the slopes of Crystal Mountain Ski Area. Or if you prefer solitude, escape into the solace of the forest and leave the world behind. [ Also see information about the Snoqualmie Ranger District ]

USDA Forest Service - Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
Last Modified: Wednesday, 31 March 2004 at 11:29:47 EST