Outdoor Science and Learning

Many opportunities to learn about nature and local history await you on the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Historic interpretive areas such as a Gold Creek Pond or Boyd Creek Trail teach about natural resources. Historic public and visitor centers provide more local information.

Interpretive Areas/Exhibits

USDA Forest Service uses interpretive areas to educate and engage the public about the natural and cultural resources of national forests, often through signs, exhibits, and programs.

Interpretive areas serve to inform visitors about the history, ecology, and cultural significance of a particular place, encouraging respect for the environment and promoting responsible recreation.

Visitor Programs

Before you hike, bike, ride a horse or backpack, call the respective USDA FS Visitor Center. The helpful staff can give you updates on trail conditions, road closures and other information that will make your trip more enjoyable. 

You can also visit the USDA Forest Service website for more information.

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Recreation Opportunities

Interpretive Areas/Exhibits (27)

Viewing Plants (37)

Viewing Scenery (67)

Viewing Wildlife (42)

Visitor Programs (4)

Showing: 1 - 10 of 87 results

Anderson Butte Trail 611.1

Enjoy breathtaking views of Cascade peaks from this old fire lookout site. The 1930s lookout was removed in 1964. Start hiking at the junction one mile along the Anderson-Watson Lakes Trail 611…

Artist Point Trailhead

Site Open

Artist Point is a scenic vista, parking lot, and trailhead at the end of the Mt. Baker Scenic Byway, Washington State Route 542. The road to Artist Point is not plowed in winter and there is no set…

Artist Ridge Trail 669

Reach this popular trail in the Heather Meadows area from the end of the Mt. Baker Scenic Byway. Along the Artist Ridge Trail patches of heather and mountain blueberries dot the landscape and you may…

Asahel Curtis Nature Trail 1023

Begin at Annette Lake Trailhead or Asahel Curtis Picnic Area and enjoy a short, easy walk through one of the last remaining stands of old growth in the Snoqualmie Valley. You’ll cross Humpback…

Austin Pass Picnic Area

Site Open

Located in Heather Meadows, this picnic area provides views of mountains, sub-alpine vegetation and occasional wildlife. Parking is abundant and includes spaces for large busses and RVs. The Heather…

Bagley Lakes Trail 684.1

The Bagley Lakes Trail travels .75 mile one-way along the eastern shore of Bagley Lake. Table Mountain and Mt. Herman tower above this family-friendly lakeshore hike. Waterfalls, wildflowers and…

Barlow Point Trail 709

Begin at the former site of the Barlow Pass Guard Station and at 0.3 miles encounter a junction. The left branch leads to the Old Government Trail 733. The Barlow Point Trail begins its ascent…

Beaver Lake Trail 783

This easy hike offers views of beavers at work and a chance to experience the serenity of the river and forest. The entire trail follows an old railroad grade–watch for the last of the decaying…

Beckler Peak Trail 1240

The Beckler Peak Trail could be compared with the popular Granite Mountain Trail 1016 along I-90, though a bit less strenuous, a lot less crowded, with beautiful views. Begin at the Jennifer Dunn…

Beckler River Campground

Site Open

Escape from the bustle of the highway in the dense surrounding forest and river noise at this campground. Located on the banks of the Beckler River and in amongst lush forest is the Beckler River…