Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest

EXPERIENCE THE CASCADES

Stevens Pass. Photo by Aleta Eng, US Forest Service

Welcome to the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, one of the most visited forests in the country, located on the west side of the Cascades between the Canadian border and Mt. Rainier National Park. Here you will find glacier-covered peaks, spectacular mountain meadows and old-growth forests.

Experience Winter Adventures on Snowshoes

Photo: Sean Sullivan, 6, snowshoes cross country with his parents at Snoqualmie Pass last year.

In the snow covered Cascades, outdoor enthusiasts enjoy their favorite trails on snowshoes.

Starting the first week of January, the Forest Service offers guided walks through March. Guides lead beginning, intermediate and advanced–level tours at Snoqualmie Pass. Stevens Pass offers a two-hour program for all skill levels that includes a historical slide show before starting a one-mile round-trip snowshoe trip on the Pacific Crest Trail.

Bald Eagles Return to Winter Habitat

View and learn about Bald Eagles along the Skagit River

Every winter migrating Bald Eagles descend upon the Skagit River to feed on spawning chum salmon, while volunteers help the public learn about them. “Volunteers are outfitted with binoculars and have spotting scopes trained on the eagles, so visitors are able to get an up-close look at these amazing birds,” said Tanya Kitterman, Forest Service Eagle Watchers program coordinator. The Eagle Watcher volunteers are available at three viewing locations along the North Cascades Highway 20 weekends December 26 through January 31, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Local Girl Wins Backpack in Get Movin' Drawing

Becky Azure, 9, next to her mother Chaun.

Becky Azure, a 9-year-old at Penny Elementary School in Everett, Wash., was completely surprised to accept the Forest Service backpack last week stuffed with maps, hiking guides and safety items. It was last summer when she had entered her winning essay into the drawing as part of the Get Movin' program, which encourages families to adopt active lifestyles. This year you can follow Becky and her family as they hike this forest and report their experiences on this website.

New Map to Show Open Roads and Trails

Visitors using roads and motorized trails on the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest will need a map beginning late this year that shows what type of motor vehicles can be used on the Forest and where they can go. The maps will be free at Forest Service offices and on the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest website.

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