Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest

Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest is a vast protected forest spanning the Cascade Range in western Washington. It features dense coniferous forests, mountain meadows, and dramatic peaks with numerous streams and waterfalls running through the landscape.

The forest was first set aside as a protected woodland in 1897, and its modern boundaries took shape when two separate national forests joined into a single entity. This merger in 1974 created the expansive protected area that exists today.

The forest holds deep meaning for local tribes who have gathered plants and hunted here for centuries, with sacred sites scattered throughout the landscape. Visitors walking the trails encounter places where these communities continue to maintain their connection to the land.

The forest offers numerous trails for hiking, multiple campgrounds for overnight stays, and ski areas for winter activities. Visitors need permits for certain areas, and it is wise to check local conditions and weather before planning your visit.

This forest contains more glaciers and permanent snow fields than any comparable woodland region east of the Rocky Mountains. These vast frozen expanses attract numerous bald eagles during winter months, making it a rare spectacle for visitors.

Operator: United States Forest Service

Website: https://fs.fed.us/r6/mbs

GPS coordinates: 48.17493,-121.38615

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:53