Mount Baker–Snoqualmie National Forest, United States

Mount Baker–Snoqualmie National Forest Travel Guide

Trek Zone

National park

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the stunning landscapes of Washington State, the Mount Baker–Snoqualmie National Forest is a true haven for nature enthusiasts. With its diverse array of ecosystems, ranging from snow-capped mountains to lush forests, this national forest offers a plethora of activities for visitors to enjoy.

One of the highlights of the Mount Baker–Snoqualmie National Forest is its namesake peak, Mount Baker. Towering at an impressive 10,781 feet, this majestic mountain provides a striking backdrop for outdoor adventures. Hiking trails wind their way through alpine meadows, leading to breathtaking vistas and the opportunity to spot native wildlife such as black bears and mountain goats. For those seeking a bit more adrenaline, Mount Baker offers excellent opportunities for skiing and snowboarding during the winter months.

The forest's other prominent feature is the Snoqualmie Pass, a mountain pass that has been an important transportation route since the early days of settlement in the region. Today, it serves as a gateway to a multitude of recreational activities. During the summer, visitors can explore numerous hiking and biking trails that wind through the forest, allowing them to immerse themselves in its natural beauty. The pass is also a popular destination for rock climbing and fishing, with several pristine lakes and rivers teeming with trout.

Beyond its natural wonders, the Mount Baker–Snoqualmie National Forest is also home to a rich cultural history. The forest contains remnants of the historic North Cascades Highway, once a vital link between Eastern and Western Washington. Exploring this scenic route offers a glimpse into the past, with old mining towns and abandoned logging camps dotting the landscape.

Alternative names: Established: 1974 (50 years ago)Area: 4000.73 mi²Elevation: 4623 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 47°45'58"N, 121°35'24"W

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WashingtonUnited States

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Mount Baker–Snoqualmie National Forest Top Attractions

Mount Baker–Snoqualmie National Forest Attractions - What to See and Explore

Mount Baker–Snoqualmie National Forest offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Nooksack Falls, Weeks Falls, Big Four Ice Caves, Bridal Veil Falls. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Natural attraction • Waterfall • Park
Nooksack Falls
Nooksack Falls is a waterfall along the North Fork of the Nooksack River in Whatcom County, Washington. The water flows through a narrow valley and drops freely 88 feet into a deep rocky river canyon.
Nature • Natural attraction • Waterfall
Weeks Falls
Weeks Falls is a waterfall on the South fork of the Snoqualmie River, located just south of Interstate 90 at exit 38. The falls are at the end of the road that goes past the Olallie State Park ranger headquarters.
Natural attraction • Geologic formation • Park
Big Four Ice Caves
Big Four Mountain is a mountain in the Cascade Range of Washington, located 21 miles east of Granite Falls. The mountain is about 6,180 ft high.

Nature • Natural attraction • Waterfall
Bridal Veil Falls
Bridal Veil Falls is a 1,328-foot waterfall that flows from Lake Serene directly to the South Fork Skykomish River on the creek of the same name in the U.S. state of Washington.
Nature • Natural attraction • Mountain
Vesper Peak
Vesper Peak is a peak along the Mountain Loop Highway region of the North Cascades of Washington state. It is about 18 miles south of Darrington and 21 miles east of Granite Falls, in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.
Nature • Natural attraction • Mountain
McClellan Butte
McClellan Butte is a prominent peak in the Cascade Range in King County, Washington 11 miles east of North Bend. The McClellan Butte hiking trail is a difficult trail known as an alternative to Mount Si's crowded trail.
Nature • Natural attraction • Waterfall
Eagle Falls
Eagle Falls is the uppermost waterfall on the South Fork Skykomish River in Washington. The falls are located downstream from the town of Baring and drop about 25 feet in a high volume cascade.
Nature • Natural attraction • Waterfall
Olallie State Park
Olallie State Park is a public recreation area featuring multiple waterfalls located five miles southeast of North Bend, Washington. The state park spans a 3.5-mile stretch along the South Fork of the Snoqualmie River. The most prominent feature of the park is 135-foot-high Twin Falls.
Nature • Natural attraction • Mountain
Mount Index
Mount Index is a peak in the central part of the Cascade Range of Washington state. It lies just south of the Skykomish River and U.S. Route 2, at the western edge of the Cascades.
Nature • Natural attraction • Mountain
Big Four Mountain
Big Four is a 6,160+ feet mountain summit in the Cascade Range, located about 20 miles east of Granite Falls, Washington. It is situated 4 miles west of Barlow Pass along the Mountain Loop Highway, near the Monte Cristo area, on land administered by the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.
Nature • Natural attraction • Mountain
Mount Washington
Mount Washington is a small mountain in the US state of Washington roughly 30 miles east-southeast of Seattle, Washington along Interstate 90.
Nature • Natural attraction • Mountain
Mount Dickerman
Mount Dickerman, or Dickerman Mountain, is a mountain in Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest in Washington state. It is located northwest of Barlow Pass along the Mountain Loop Highway.
Nature • Natural attraction • Lake
Baker Lake
Baker Lake is a lake in northern Washington state in the United States. The lake is situated in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest and Baker River valley southwest of North Cascades National Park and is fed by the Baker River along with numerous smaller tributaries.
Nature • Natural attraction • Mountain
Church Mountain
Church Mountain is a 6,315-foot mountain summit located north of Mount Baker in Whatcom County in the U.S. state of Washington. The summit affords a 360 degree view of the area, which includes Mount Baker to the south and Mount Shuksan to the southeast. Church Mountain is the line parent of Bearpaw Mountain.
Nature • Natural attraction • Waterfall
Wells Creek Falls
Wells Creek Falls is the generally used name for a waterfall on Wells Creek in the Mount Baker Wilderness in Washington. The falls are located several thousand feet above Wells Creek's confluence with Bar Creek.
Nature • Natural attraction • Lake
Chester Morse Lake
Chester Morse Lake is a lake in the upper region of the Cedar River watershed in the U.S. state of Washington. The original lake surface was 1,530 feet above sea level, but when the river was dammed in 1900, the elevation was raised to 1,560 feet.
47°25'26"N • 121°24'58"W
The Summit at Snoqualmie
The Summit at Snoqualmie, is a winter resort in the northwest United States, located on Snoqualmie Pass, Washington. It provides alpine skiing and snowboarding, Nordic skiing, and winter tubing.
Nature • Natural attraction • Waterfall
Asbestos Falls
Asbestos Falls is a waterfall on Clear Creek in Snohomish County, Washington. It is located just above the mouth of Helena Creek.
Nature • Natural attraction • Waterfall
Bear Creek Falls
Bear Creek Falls is the final of the two waterfalls on the North Fork Skykomish River. The falls are located within a short, narrow canyon. The falls, at just 25 feet high, are quite insignificant, however are quite significant in terms of how much water is flowing over them.

Day trips

Mount Baker–Snoqualmie National Forest – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Mount Baker–Snoqualmie National Forest, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Seattle Center (Seattle), Space Needle (Seattle), Museum of Flight (Seattle).

37 milesW
Park
Seattle Center, Seattle
Seattle Center is a vibrant cultural hub located in the heart of Seattle, Washington. This 74-acre park-like campus is home to some of the city's most prominent landmarks, including the iconic Space Needle and the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP).
37 milesW
Landmark modern spire with city vistas
Space Needle, Seattle
The Space Needle is an iconic landmark towering over Seattle, Washington, epitomizing the city's innovative spirit and futuristic outlook. Standing at a height of 605 feet, this observation tower was constructed in 1962 for the Century 21 Exposition, a World's Fair...
37 milesSW
Exhibits with airplanes and space vehicles
Museum of Flight, Seattle
Nestled in the heart of Seattle, the Museum of Flight is a soaring tribute to the human spirit's quest for flight. This comprehensive air and space museum, one of the largest of its kind in the world, offers visitors an unparalleled journey through the history of...
36 milesW
Spacious home for modern and historic work
Seattle Art Museum, Seattle
Nestled in the heart of downtown Seattle, the Seattle Art Museum, colloquially known as SAM, stands as a beacon of cultural sophistication and artistic exploration. This esteemed museum, which opened its doors to the public in 1933, has since become a pivotal...
19 milesSW
Natural attraction, Waterfall, Hiking trail
Snoqualmie Falls, Snoqualmie
Nestled in the verdant landscape of Washington State, Snoqualmie Falls is a natural wonder that captivates visitors with its raw beauty and powerful presence. This majestic waterfall, located in the city of Snoqualmie, is one of the state's most popular scenic...

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Best Time To Visit Mount Baker–Snoqualmie National Forest

Learn when is the best time to travel to Mount Baker–Snoqualmie National Forest weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

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January and February are the busiest months in this location. Many people also choose to visit in March.

Average temperatures in °F

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The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January, February and March.

Monthly rainfall in inches

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The lowest rainfall is recorded in July. Most of it rains in January, November and December.

Length of day in hours

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We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Mount Baker–Snoqualmie National Forest?

The top attractions to visit in Mount Baker–Snoqualmie National Forest are:

What is the best time to visit Mount Baker–Snoqualmie National Forest?

January and February are the busiest months in this location. Many people also choose to visit in March. The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January, February and March.