Explore the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, 1.7 million acres along a 140-mile stretch of the Cascade Mountains in Washington State. Its spectacular summer scenery and excellent winter skiing makes it one of the most visited National Forests in the country, as does its location between Mount Rainier National Park, the western slopes of the Cascades, and the Canadian border.
Two tall volcanoes, 10,781-foot Mt. Baker and 10,541-foot Glacier Peak, tower thousands of feet above the adjacent ridges. More glaciers and snowfields dot the forest than any other in the lower 48. Some 800 lakes fill its alpine areas, with 10-mile-long Baker Lake producing hydro power for local electric utilities—and excellent camping, fishing, and saddle trips. Nine Wilderness Areas make up roughly half of the forest’s total acreage.
More than 1,500 miles of trails offer hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, and include portions of the Pacific Crest Trail. These trails, alongside more than 50 campgrounds, make the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest ideal for a longer stay. In the winter, visitors have their pick of seven downhill ski areas: four at Snoqualmie Pass and one each at Crystal Mountain, Stevens Pass, and Mt. Baker.
What is the History of the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest?
The area that comprises the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest has long been home to the Coast Salish peoples, including the Stillaguamish, Snoqualmie, Sauk-Suiattle, Nooksack, Upper Skagit, and Duwamish tribes. The Treaty of Point Elliott of 1855 forced many Indigenous tribes to cede their traditional lands, though they retained fishing and hunting rights that remain legally protected today. The forest currently consults with 15 tribes who have ancestral ties to the area.
The Washington Forest Reserve was established in 1897 by President Grover Cleveland. This reserve was later divided, and in 1908 the Snoqualmie National Forest was officially created. The Mount Baker National Forest followed in 1924, and the two forests were administratively combined in 1974 to form the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest as it exists today.
How to Get to the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
The forest is easily reached from major cities such as Seattle, Bellingham, and Everett, making it one of the most accessible wilderness areas in the Pacific Northwest.
From Seattle, travelers can take Interstate 5 north and U.S. Highway 2 to reach the southern sections of the forest. Alternatively, taking State Route 410 east through the community of Enumclaw provides access to the scenic areas near Mount Rainier and the Chinook Pass region.
To reach the forest’s northern section, near Mount Baker, visitors can take I-5 to Bellingham, then follow State Route 542, or the Mount Baker Highway, through the small gateway town of Glacier. This highway leads directly into the Mount Baker Ski Area and high-alpine trails.
- Seattle, Washington: 1 to 1.5 hours by car
- Everett, Washington: 1 to 1.5 hours by car
- Bellingham, Washington: 1.5 to 2 hours by car
The Skyline Divide is a ridgeline extension of Mount Baker, and the 9.6-mile Skyline Divide Trail offers some of the best views in the region. In summer, it’s a photographer’s dream, with vistas stretching to Mount Shuksan and the North Cascades.
This 57-mile scenic byway climbs from Bellingham to Artist Point, one of the most breathtaking viewpoints in Washington. Along the way, stop at waterfalls, picnic areas, and the Heather Meadows Visitor Center. The road is typically open from summer through early fall.
Known for record-breaking snowfall, receiving an average of 664 inches of snow annually, this ski area is a favorite among locals and backcountry enthusiasts. It offers 1,000 skiable acres and 1,500 feet of vertical drop.
Larkspur Several species of this wildflower, recognized by tall spikes of deep blue to violet blossoms, add color to open meadows, subalpine slopes, and forest clearings during late spring and summer 
Douglas fir Towering up to 250 feet tall, this evergreen dominates the forest canopy, and has distinctive cone bracts that resemble a mouse’s tail. 
Western tanager This stunning songbird is a coveted sight among bird lovers visiting the forest, thanks to its bright-red, yellow body, and black wings. 
Black-tailed deer This subspecies of mule deer thrives in the forest’s lush lowlands, foothills, and alpine meadow and is recognized by its dark tail and large ears. 
Elk This majestic animal is found grazing in high mountain valleys in the summer, migrating to lower elevations in the winter, and making bugling calls during fall’s rutting season. 
Black bear Despite its name, it can range in color from black to cinnamon brown. It’s generally shy and non-aggressive, though proper food storage and awareness are essential while recreating in the forest. Related Impact
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What’s the Best First-Timer’s Adventure in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
For an easy access way to experience the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest’s spectacular scenery, head to one of the dramatic waterfalls near the town of North Bend. A viewing platform for the 88-foot-high Nooksack Falls can be reached via Forest Road off Mount Baker Highway, while Franklin Falls is reached via a two-mile hike along Denny Creek near Snoqualmie Pass.
Where to Find More Information on the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
For more information or questions, visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/mbs.
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