Interpretive Areas

Interpretive Areas Areas

• Baker Lake / Middle Fork Nooksack

  Drive east on State Route 20 to the Baker River Highway and beautiful Baker Lake. The area around this nine-mile reservoir features camping, boating, fishing, picnicking, hiking and pack and saddle trips.

  Developed campgrounds are located on the western side of the lake.

  The Baker Lake Trail is an easy family hike. It extends along the eastern shoreline, crossing Baker River at the north end of the lake.

  Mt. Baker National Recreation Area (NRA)
  This impressive mountain landscape on the southeast flanks of Mt. Baker’s slopes offers year-round recreational fun. During summer months, hikers and stock parties share trails leading off from the end of Forest Service road 13 or through the Middle Fork and South Fork Nooksack River drainages. Winter recreation includes cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and snowshoeing.

  Explore the Skagit Wild and Scenic River System
  Segments of the Skagit, Sauk, Suiattle and Cascade rivers make up the federally designated Skagit Wild & Scenic River system.

  Baker Lake Sockeye Season

  Sockeye season could open as early as July and fishing enthusiasts will be flocking to Baker Lake. 

  • Parking and guidelines

  Baker Lake / Middle Fork Nooksack Recreation Area Map

• Shadow of the Sentinels Interpretive Site
• Interstate 90 Mountains to Sound Greenway

  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.

  Mountains to Sound Greenway
  Drive Interstate 90 east from Seattle to Snoqualmie Pass, stopping along the way to fish for trout in the Snoqualmie River, or meander along the Asahel Curtis Nature Trail, a one-mile walk through stately old-growth fir and cedar. Leave the freeway at milepost 47 and drive the Denny Creek Road, following the historic wagon route used by early settlers to cross Snoqualmie Pass. Fourteen trailheads access more than a 100 miles of trails ranging in difficulty from "almost easy" to "punishing." Hike to scenic ridgetops or peaceful mountain lakes.

  Nature Viewing
  Allow time to walk along the Gold Creek Pond Interpretive Trail, where mountains are often reflected in the pond, providing great photo opportunities.

  The Wilderness Experience
  Snoqualmie Ranger District is responsible for the stewardship and preservation of the Clearwater Wilderness, portions of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness and the Norse Peak Wilderness. Visitors are encouraged to enjoy this wild landscape while preserving its integrity and beauty for future generations.

  Recreation Area Map

  National Scenic Byway

• Asahel Curtis Nature Trail 1023
• Franklin Falls Trailhead
• Gold Creek Pond Trail 1250

  NOTE: There are several "Gold Creek" trails within the North Cascades visit the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest page and make sure you are visiting the correct location!

  This paved accessible trail provides exceptional distant views of the Gold Creek Valley and Chikamin Peak in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. On a clear day you can see the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail traversing the headwaters of Gold Creek. This barrier-free interpretive trail loops around the pond. Enjoy beautiful views of the Gold Creek Valley and take advantage of the ample opportunities for wildlife viewing, especially in the evenings. Find a large picnic area at the pond with tables and fire grates.  Look for signs of beaver activity.  Gold Creek Trail 1314 is nearby.

  WTA Hiking Guide - Trip Reports

• Gold Creek Pond Interpretive Site
• Wagon Road Trail 1021
• Mather Memorial Parkway (SR 410)

  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.

  Mather Memorial Parkway
  Created in 1931, this paved two-lane classic Cascades drive along Highway 410 from Enumclaw to the eastern edge of Mount Rainier National Park presents majestic views of Mount Rainier and surrounding peaks. More than 200 miles of trails accommodate hikers, horses and mountain bikes. Drive, hike or ride to the Suntop Lookout Cabin at the top of Forest Road 7315. Choose a primitive campsite along forest roads east and west of the parkway. In November buy a permit at the Enumclaw office and take the family out to the woods to cut your own Christmas tree. Most forest roads are unpaved and minimally maintained. Cell phones have limited coverage in the mountains.

  Recreation Area Map

  National Scenic Byways

• Dalles Campground
• John Muir Nature Trail 1204
• Youth-On-Age-Nature Trail 738

  This short paved trail, .25 miles one way, is a self-guided interpretive walk through a forested setting. View new native plant life growing in an old growth forest. Interpretive brochures are available at the trailhead.

  Though this trail is paved, in some areas roots have pushed the pavement up, and there may be sand on the trail due to river flooding. 

• Youth-On-Age Nature Trailhead
• Mt. Baker Highway (SR 542)

  Mt. Baker Highway is open to Artist Point.  Check the Washington Department of Transportation website for current conditions. 

  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 Interstate 5 interchange in Bellingham, Wash., winds along the scenic North Fork Nooksack River, and climbs to an elevation of 5,140 feet to its well-named destination, Artist Point. This area is legendary for its spectacular views of Mt. Baker and Mt. Shuksan. Stop by the Glacier Public Service Center just east of Glacier at milepost 34 to learn about current forest road and trail conditions.

  Mt. Baker - A State Scenic Highway and National Forest Scenic Byway
  State Route 542 is a Washington State Scenic Highway and a National Forest Scenic Byway. The forest byway begins just east of the town of Glacier as the route enters the national forest, leading travelers to historic Heather Meadows, home of the Mt. Baker Ski Area. Forest roads lead off the main highway into the heart of the national forest with trails accessing the Mt. Baker Wilderness and North Cascades National Park backcountry.

  Four Seasons of Recreation
  During summer months, Mt. Baker's 10,781 foot snow-covered peak rises above the landscape. On a clear day, several vantage points offer spectacular views of neighboring Mt. Shuksan and surrounding slopes of the Cascade Mountain range. Hikers can head out on more than 200 miles of trails and campers can enjoy long evenings in rustic settings. The fall months bring cooler temperatures and lower snow levels, limiting hiking access to the high country. Several side roads are groomed, turning them into a winter playland for snowmobiles and cross-country skiers. During winter months the Mt. Baker Ski Area operates in Heather Meadows at the end of the byway.

  Heather Meadows
  Heather and huckleberry meadows dotting the Heather Meadows landscape near the eastern end of the Mount Baker Scenic Byway, (State Route 542). Glistening lakes nestle between knolls. Ridges bristle with 900-year-old mountain hemlock. Lava flows from Mount Baker have resisted glacial carving and columns of andesite stand like black anvils against the sky. During the summer months enjoy a picnic, stroll the trails and stop by the Heather Meadows Visitor Center for a historical perspective of the area’s rich heritage.

  Recreation Area Map

  National Scenic Byway

• Heather Meadows Visitor Center

  Heather and huckleberry meadows dot the majestic landscape at Heather Meadows near the eastern end of the Mount Baker Scenic Byway, Washington State Route 542.

  Glistening lakes nestle between knolls. Ridges bristle with 900-year-old mountain hemlock. Even the rocks catch the eye. Lava flows from Mount Baker have resisted glacial carving and columns of andesite stand like black anvils against the sky.

  Interpretive signs along the Picture Lake, Fire and Ice and Artist Ridge Trails enhance the story behind this spectacular scenery.

  The historical Heather Meadows Visitor Center exhibits offer a glimpse into the area’s colorful cultural history.

  The center and area trails are open during the summer season after accumulated winter snows melt out.

  During winter months snow-covered slopes offer opportunities for skiing and snowboarding at the popular Mt. Baker Ski Area located in Heather Meadows. Snow-covered trails outside of the ski area boundaries are not marked or maintained or controlled for avalanches.

  For information about accessible recreation opportunities in Pacific Northwest National Forests, visit http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/r6/accessiblerecreation

• Artist Ridge Trail #669
• Austin Pass Picnic Area
• Fire and Ice Trail #684.2

  This family friendly trail is one of the first in Heather Meadows to become snow free. Located in the valley between Mount Herman and Table Mountain, this 0.5 mile loop trail winds through meadows punctuated with undersized but very old mountain hemlock—the diminutive products of a very short growing season. Interpretive signs tell the story of the landscape shaped by volcanic eruptions and ice-age glaciers.

• Fire and Ice Trailhead
• Picture Lake Path

  Picture Lake is the centerpiece of a strikingly beautiful landscape in the Heather Meadows area. The classic alpine vista of Mt. Shuksan mirrored in Picture Lake is one of the most photographed mountain scenes in North America. A backdrop of mountains, wildflowers and colorful plant foliage make this a beautiful, universally accessible family hike.

  You will find interpretive sign panels and a viewing scope installed during the summer months on a paved viewpoint. A platform on the edge of the lake provides a resting spot.
   

  For information about accessible recreation opportunities in Pacific Northwest National Forests, visit http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/r6/accessiblerecreation
• Horseshoe Bend Trail #687
• Marblemount Boat Launch
• Lower Sauk Boat Launch
• US Highway 2 - Skykomish Area east to Stevens Pass

  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.

  Recreation Area Map

  National Scenic Byway

• Deception Falls Picnic Area
• Iron Goat Trail 1074 Martin Creek

  Enjoy beautiful views of surrounding mountains, learn the history of the Wellington train disaster from interpretive signs and rest on comfortable trailside benches. Follow the abandoned Great Northern Railway with gentle grades and various hiking options at each trailhead to accommodate people of all abilities.

  Learn more at irongoattrail.org.

  WTA hiking guide - trip reports

  For information about accessible recreation opportunities in Pacific Northwest National Forests, visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/r6/accessiblerecreation

• Iron Goat/Martin Creek Trailhead
• Iron Goat Trail 1074 Scenic
• Iron Goat Trail 1074 Wellington

  Enjoy beautiful views of surrounding mountains, learn the history of the Wellington train disaster from interpretive signs and rest on comfortable trailside benches. Follow the abandoned Great Northern Railway with gentle grades and various hiking options at each trailhead to accommodate people of all abilities..

  Learn more at www.irongoattrail.org.

  WTA hiking guide - trip reports

  For information about accessible recreation opportunities in Pacific Northwest National Forests, visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/r6/accessiblerecreation

• Wellington Trailhead