Federal and State Officials Encourage Visitors to Travel Safely and Prepare for Overcrowded...

Contact:
Colton Whitworth, US Forest Service, (p) 425-530-8285, colton.whitworth@usda.gov
Jordan Longacre, WSDOT Northwest Region, (p) 206-573-0528, Jordan.Longacre@wsdot.wa.gov

Sedro Wooley, Wash. - Due to increased use and public safety concerns, the Washington State Department of Transportation will be implementing strict parking policies near the end of Mt. Baker Highway (State Route 542).

Parking at shoulders and chain-up area pullouts along the Mt. Baker Highway between the Salmon Ridge Sno-Park (mile 46) and Picture Lake (mile 55) is prohibited. Pullouts are reserved only for first responders and public safety services such as snow chain installation!

Visitors using White Salmon Road #3075 need to pull completely into the parking area, off the shoulder of the Highway, and park in a manner that maximizes parking for other users.

Roadside parking around the Picture Lake loop and by the upper Mt. Baker Ski Area Lodge is prohibited from 7pm to 7am and is reserved loop is reserved for WSDOT snow operations and vehicles. Washington State Patrol may ticket and/or tow vehicles parked over the fog line, in pullouts not designated for long term parking, and vehicles parked during nighttime hours.

Since the Spring of 2020, National Forests have been experiencing unprecedented increases in visitation. With more and more people traveling to their National Forests, land management officials are urging travelers to recreate responsibly, be safe, and keep the following tips in mind before leaving your home:

• If the sun is shining, please be patient and prepare for longer travel times overcrowded parking areas, and snowy/icy driving conditions.
• We would encourage people to visit on a weekday and always have 3 or more backup destinations identified before making the trip.
• Pack all winter recreation safety essentials, dress appropriately, and bring extra food, water, and clothing items.
• Check conditions: roads, trails, weather, and avalanche reports.
• Tell someone at home your plans and when you will be back.
• Know your vehicles limits, bring chains, and shovels.
• Pack out what you pack in! Trash services in the winter are typically not available.

For more information, please visit the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest and Washington State Department of Transportation websites.