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Experience Summer on the Mt. Baker Snoqualmie National Forest
Release Date: Jun 29, 2015
US Forest Service
Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
Contact: Tracy O'Toole Office: 425-783-6015
This summer tour the forest with an expert, learn about the forest ecosystems, hike with the 10 essentials, explore Crystal Mountain or experience salmon and stream ecology first hand along the Nooksack River. You can choose between a number of summer events and activities throughout the forest.
Activities listed from North to South:
Nooksack River Stewards Events - July–September 2015
Mt. Baker Highway (State Route 542) - Mt. Baker Ranger District
Visit the NSEA River Stewards on weekends at the Glacier Public Service Center to learn about salmon and stream ecology in the Nooksack River, learn about viewing areas and how to be good stewards while recreating in along the river. Saturday mornings go for a walk up the Horseshoe Bend Trail and discover the vast aquatic mysteries of rivers and riparian zones. All River Stewards events are family-friendly, free and no registration required. For more information contact Annitra Peck at 360-715-0283 x105. There are some ADA difficulties along the Horseshoe Bend Trail, please call the Glacier Public Service Center at 360-599-2714 for more information.
Noisy Waters: A Nooksack River Walk - Saturdays at 1 pm
Horseshoe Bend Trail--Travel east on the Mt. Baker Highway SR 542 approximately two miles from the Glacier Public Service Center and cross the Nooksack River. The trailhead is on the right side (east) of the highway, across from the Douglas Fir Campground entrance.
Mt. Baker & Heather Meadows
Mt. Baker Highway (State Route 542) - Mt. Baker Ranger District
Heather Meadows Visitor Center: Open 7 days a week, 10 am – 4pm
Come visit and enjoy a variety of exhibits on the local flora and fauna. Be sure to check out the great gift shop by Discover Your Northwest for a fun memento of your trip. The Heather Meadows Visitor Center and all the presentations are ADA Accessible and available to all. Hear local histories and learn about unique plants and animals of the forest, geology and Mt. Baker from local speakers and Forest Service field rangers. Enjoy short, easy hikes for all ages. Reservations are not required and programs are free. A federal recreation pass is required at Heather Meadows. For more information call the Glacier Public Service Center at 360-599-2714.
Meet a Ranger - June 20 – Sept. 13, 2015; Fridays - Sundays 11:30 am and 3 pm
Attend a guided presentation with a Forest Service Field Ranger to learn about natural and cultural histories along the Mt. Baker Scenic Byway. Meet on the ramp at Heather Meadows Visitor Center.
Family Weekend at Heather Meadows, Aug. 22 & 23, 2015
A variety of activities appropriate for kids of all ages will be available on both days. Hike with a naturalist, take a short walk with a ranger, meet Smokey Bear, or become a Junior Ranger.
Heather Meadows Guest Speakers, Weekends mid-July-August, 2015
Local historians, scientists and artists give presentations at the Heather Meadows Visitor Center.
*All presentations will be held at 1:00 pm unless otherwise noted.
Glaciers – Graham Messe: July 25, 2015
Join geologist Graham Messe to learn about the history and importance of glaciers in the Pacific Northwest and learn about the glacier monitoring program at North Cascades National Park.
The Grand Old Lady of Mt. Baker - Michael Impero: Aug. 1, 2015 at noon
A history of the Mt. Baker Lodge with Michael G. Impero, author of the books, The Lone Jack: King of the Mount Baker Mining District and Dreams of Gold will give a presentation on his newest topic of interest, the Mount Baker Lodge
Western Wildlife Outreach: Black Bears & Grizzly Bears in the North Cascades: Aug. 2, 2015
Join staff from Western Wildlife Outreach to learn about bears in the North Cascades and get a chance to experience hands on displays.
Women Climbing Mountains in Skirts: How Early Hiking Clubs Shaped the Future of Our Public Lands – Janet Oakley: Aug. 8, 2015
Join Janet Oakley to learn about early female hiking clubs and the impact they had on public lands.
Story time with Smokey Bear - Aug. 15 & 16, 2015
Join Smokey and a field ranger to hear his story and learn how to prevent wildfires.
Lions, No Tigers, and Bears! Oh my! - Elmer Roomsa: Aug. 22, 2015 at 11:30 a.m.
Forest Service Volunteer and avid outdoorsman, Elmer Roomsa, shares his knowledge about our local black bear and cougar populations.
Lions, No Tigers, and Bears! Oh my! - Elmer Roomsa: Aug. 23, 2015 at noon.
Forest Service Volunteer and avid outdoorsman, Elmer Roomsa, shares his knowledge about our local black bear and cougar populations.
Nooksack Tribal Storytelling - Tammy Cooper-Woodrich; Aug. 29, 2015
Join Nooksack Tribal elder Tammy Cooper-Woodrich for traditional stories about the animals, plants, and people of the Nooksack River drainage.
Big 4 Picnic Area
Mt. Loop Highway – Darrington Ranger District
Big Interpretive Ranger Hikes – July 4 – Sept. 7, 2015; Saturdays & Sundays ; 11 am – 2 pm
Listen to the history about Big 4 and learn about the unique ecosystem plants and animals of the forest around the Big 4 Ice Caves from Forest Service field rangers. Learn how the beavers change the landscape or how many Space Needles in height the Face of Big 4 is. The Big 4 Ice Caves is an ADA Accessible trail that is an easy short hike for all ages and all abilities.
Meet at the Big 4 Picnic Area, 14 miles east of the Verlot Public Service Center. Reservations are not required and programs are free. A federal recreation pass is required. For more information call the Verlot Public Service Center at 360-691-7791.
Meet Smokey Bear! – July 18 & Aug, 2015; 12: noon
Come join Smokey Bear at the Verlot Public Service Center! Field Rangers will host a Smokey Bear story-time at 12 noon on the lawn. Bring a sack lunch to enjoy while you learn about Smokey Bear and his important message. Story time with Smokey is accessible for all. For more information call the Verlot Public Service Center at 360-691-7791.
Crystal Mountain
State Route 410 – Snoqualmie Ranger District
Interpretive Ranger Walks – June 27-Sept, 2015; Thursdays – Mondays; 11 am, 1 pm & 2:30 pm
Join a US Forest Ranger for a short 1 hour interpretive hike from the summit of Crystal Mountain. Learn about local flora and fauna, human history and the geologic processes which have shaped this unique alpine landscape. Go ahead and ask all your wilderness related questions from animals and vegetation to volcanoes and hiking trails and anything and everything in between.
You’ll find the Interpretive Ranger near the top of the Gondola. Come early as the walks begin promptly at their scheduled times. No tours on Tuesdays or Wednesdays. There are some ADA difficulties along this trail, please call the Silver Creek Service Center at 360-663-2284 for more information.
Tours are complimentary and open to everyone. For more information contact the Snoqualmie Ranger Office in Enumclaw at 360-825-6585 or the Silver Creek Visitor Center at 360-663-2284.
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USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (866) 632-9992 (Toll-free Customer Service), (800) 877-8339 (Local or Federal relay), (866) 377-8642 (Relay voice users).