Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the difference between the Forest Service, the National Park Service, Department of Natural Resources, and State parks?

2. What is a Wilderness area?

3. Do I need a permit to recreate on Forest Service land?

4. Why are Forest Passes needed?

5. Where can I find information on forest trail and road conditions?

6. How do I locate an established campground, dispersed campsite, or lookout? How do I make reservations?

7. Are pets allowed on forest trails and in the campgrounds?

8. Where on the forest can I use off road vehicles (ORV's, ATV's), snowmobiles, and bicycles?

9. Where in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest can I cut a Christmas tree?

10. What are the fishing, hunting, and firearm regulations in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest?

11. How can I get a job with the Forest Service?

12. How can I sell products and services to the Forest Service? Are there contracts on which I can bid?

13. Where can I get maps, permits, and answers to questions?

What is the difference between the Forest Service, the National Park Service, Department of Natural Resources, and State parks?

The Forest Service manages the National Forests, and is dedicated to management for multiple uses and benefits, and for the sustained yield of renewable resources such as water, forage, wildlife, wood, and recreation. Multiple use means managing resources under the best combination of uses to benefit the people, while ensuring the productivity of the land and protecting the environment.

The National Park Service focuses on preservation. The agency manages National Park system areas to preserve, unimpaired, the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park system for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this, and future generations. The Park Service cooperates with partners to extend the benefits of natural and cultural resource conservation and outdoor recreation throughout this country and the world.

Washington State Parks are similar to National Parks but are managed on a state level and have different regulations. There are 125 state parks in Washington. The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission acquires, operates, enhances, and protects a diverse system of recreational, cultural, historical and natural sites.

Washington State Department of Natural Resources is a state agency whose role is to protect and manage many valuable assets that belong to the residents of Washington State including 5 million acres of land. The DNR mission is to provide professional, forward - looking stewardship of our state lands, natural resources, and environment, and to provide leadership in creating a sustainable future for the trusts and all citizens. A principal focus is providing revenue for the state school system. [top]

What is a Wilderness area?

According to the Wilderness Act of 1964, wilderness areas are where earth and its community of life remains untrammeled, where man himself is a visitor who does not remain. Some mark is left in wilderness each time we visit, but each of us can make sure the mark is a small one. Minimum impact or no-trace camping should be considered common sense behavior in the backcountry.

Permits are required if one plans to enter the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. They are free, self-issuing, and are available at all trailheads. To enter the Enchantments (a part of the Alpine Lake Wilderness), a reserved permit is required. This must be obtained in advance, though some may be issued for day of use entry at the Leavenworth Ranger Station. See the Wenatchee National Forest website.

For all other wilderness areas within the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie, no permit is needed; however, if you cross onto National Park Service land and stay overnight, a free self-issuing permit is required. If you park at a trailhead on the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, a Northwest Forest Pass is required. [top]

Do I need a permit to recreate on Forest Service land?

Probably, however, it depends on your type of recreation, your destination, and some other variables, different permits may apply.

A Northwest Forest Pass is required if you are parking at or within a quarter mile of most Mt. Baker Snoqualmie National Forest trailheads. It is also valid in any national forest in Washington or Oregon and in the North Cascades National Park. The cost is $30 for an annual pass and $5 for a day pass. The money goes directly towards trail and trailhead maintenance. They can be purchased at any Forest Service office and at 48 stores throughout the Puget Sound.

Other permits:

• Wilderness permits: see above section on wilderness.
• Sno-Park Permit: There are three different Sno-Park passes available; one for season access to all Sno-Parks in Washington; one for season access to parks without groomed cross country trails; and a day pass to any Sno-Park. More information on Sno-Parks.
• Information on National Park Service Passes
• Information on Washington State Vehicle Use Passes [top]

Why are Forest Passes needed?

Only a very small percentage of federal tax dollars now go toward maintenance of campgrounds, trails, and other federal recreation facilities. Appropriated dollars cover only a part of the total need. Maintenance of facilities depends on volunteers, partnerships, concessionaires, and others who help to make up the funding shortfall. As recreation activity continues to increase, the impact from visitors requires additional work to maintain recreation facilities and natural resources. Whether on foot, horseback, motorized vehicles, water rafting, or climbing - all of these activities creat some impact or damage to the facilities or to the land. Those who recreate in national forests carry a special responsibility to assist in the upkeep. [top]

Where can I find information on Forest trail and road conditions?

• Trail Conditions
• Road Conditions

How do I locate an established campground, dispersed campsite, or lookout? How do I make reservations?

Most camping takes place between Memorial Day and Labor Day, however, numerous sites and campgrounds are open from May to October. Sites tend to be busy on weekends and especially on holiday weekends so plan accordingly. Please contact a Forest Service office near where you plan to visit for additional information on current fire danger, directions, and fees. Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest Campground Information

Established Campsites: For Forest Service campgrounds nationwide, please call 1-877-444-6777 to reserve a site (exact name of campground and forest is required). You can also visit the Forest Service campground reservations website at www.reserveusa.com for interactive, clickable maps that list campgrounds by state and will have the name of specific campgrounds and forests, plus directions and campground maps.

Some established campgrounds in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest are first come first serve so plan ahead. Sixty percent of established campgrounds are reserveable, and 40 percent are first come, first serve with no reservations available.

Dispersed Campsites: This qualifies as any place in the forest that is not posted as a designated campground. Unless it lies within a quarter mile of a trailhead, dispersed campsites are free, no pass is required, and are first com,e first serve. There is a limit of no more than 14 days, out of any 30-day period on this Forest. Call local Forest Service offices for current status on campfire restrictions.

Lookouts: All lookouts in the Forest are open to visitation and overnight stays on a first come, first serve basis except for the Evergreen Lookout, which is available by reservation only for overnight stays. (Heybrook Lookout is expected to be open for reservations soon)

Cabin Rentals: The Suiattle Guard Station can be rented for overnight stays. Contact the Darrington Ranger Station for reservations. [top]

Are pets allowed on Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest trails and in the campgrounds?

Pets must always be restrained or on a leash while in developed recreation sites. Pets (except guide dogs) are not allowed in swimming areas. Saddle or pack animals are allowed in recreation sites only where authorized by posted instructions.

Pets must be on leash when traveling on trails that enter the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Dogs are not allowed in the Enchantments, or at Ingalls Lake. [top]

Where on the forest can I use off road vehicles (ORV, ATV), snowmobiles, and bicycles?

The only location on the forest where 4x4 Off Road Vehicles may be used is at Evans Creek on the Snoqualmie Ranger District. All bikes and All Terrain Vehicles must be street legal to use Forest Service roads. You must also possess a valid drivers license.

Hundreds of miles of snow-covered Forest roads are available for Snowmobiling in the winter. Snow grooming programs are active in several forest locations. A Northwest Forest Pass is not required for snowmobile parking. There are a number of designated Sno-Parks on the forest operated by Washington State Parks. Use of these areas does require a Sno-Park permit.

Bicycles are permitted only on a few designated trails. Unless specifically closed to such uses, all roads are open to bicycles. For a list of designated trails, contact the Ranger Station in the area you plan to visit. [top]

Where in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest can I cut a Christmas tree?

Permits for cutting personal-use Christmas trees go on sale in November, and are available at most Forest Service offices and at REI in Lynnwood. A map of the permissible cutting areas is available at all permit sale locations. All of these areas are accessed by gravel-surfaced roads. Be prepared for winter travel. For this season's announcement, check our current News Releases page. [top]

What are the fishing, hunting, and firearm regulations in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest?

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife regulates hunting and fishing activities even on National Forest land. Find the rules and regulations on the Washington State website.

Firearms: Firing a gun is not allowed: a) In or within 150 yards of a residence, building, campsite, developed recreation site, or occupied area b) Across or on a road or body of water c) In any circumstance whereby a person may be injured or property damaged. [top]

How can I get a job with the Forest Service?

All Forest Service jobs are listed in the USAJOBS database. More information about employment with the Forest Service. [top]

How can I sell products and services to the Forest Service? Are there contracts on which I can bid?

For information visit the Western Washington Area Acquisition Information Center. The Western Washington Procurement Area consists of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Olympic National Forest, Olympia Forest Sciences Laboratory and the Seattle Forest Sciences Laboratory.

The site advertises for quotes, bids and proposals on more than 30 million dollars worth of contracting opportunities each year. You will find access procurements this year, a listing of solicitations currently available, bid results if available, award information and information on how to obtain contracts with Federal Agencies. [top]

Where can I get maps, permits, and answers to questions?

Visit or call one of our Ranger Station Offices or Visitor Information Centers. [top]

USDA Forest Service - Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
Last Modified: Monday, 23 May 2005 at 21:08:47 EDT