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Home , Skagit River, Yellow Aster Butte

Ranger District National Park Winter Activity Guide

Head east along the Mt. Baker Highway to access National Forest lands and the popular Mt. Baker Ski Area.

Travel picturesque Highway 20 along the Skagit Wild & Scenic into the heart of the North Cascades.

Travel Tips Contacts - For More Information Take some time for winter discovery but Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest National Weather Service be aware that terrain may be challenging /Mt. Baker Ranger District www.weather.gov to navigate at times. Mountain weather http://www.fs.usda.gov/mbs conditions can change dramatically and State Winter Recreation and with little warning. 810 State Route 20 State Sno-Park Information: Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284 www.parks.wa.gov/winter Enjoy your outing by being prepared and (360) 854-2553 Mt. Baker Ski Area checking National Weather Service and Glacier Public Service Center Ski Area Report: Northwest Center forecasts 10091 Mt. Baker Highway (360) 671-0211 before heading out. Glacier, WA 98244 www.mtbaker.us (360) 599-2714 • Let someone know where you are Cross-country ski & snowshoe trails along North Cascades going and when you expect to return. the Mt. Baker Highway: Complex • Prepare your vehicle for winter travel. www.nooksacknordicskiclub.org • Always carry tire chains and a shovel - (360) 854-7200 www.nps.gov/noca practice putting tire chains on before Northwest you head out. Washington State Road Conditions: Avalanche Center • Use reflectors in case of emergency. Dept. of Transportation promotes safe winter travel • Store valuables out of sight when Dial 511 within WA State by providing recent snowpack parked at a trailhead or recreation www.wsdot.wa.gov observations, mountain weather and site. avalanche forecasts. • Do not rely on cell service - signal Learn more at: www.nwac.us strength may vary depending on location, terrain and weather. Recreation Passes and Permits Mt. Baker Highway Passes are available online, from local vendors, and at open Forest Service Offices. Parking Safety Federal Recreation Passes In order to provide for public safety and www.fs.usda.gov/detail/mbs/passes-permits/recreation/ Washington State motorized and non-motorized Sno-Park Permits highway plowing, roadside parking along www.parks.state.wa.us/140/Sno-Park-snowmobile-Permit the Mt. Baker Highway is prohibited www.parks.state.wa.us/134/Sno-Park-non-motorized-Permits between Ridge Sno-Park and the Washington State Sno-Parks Federal Recreation Passes Mt. Baker Ski Area. Sno-Parks are maintained by Washington State A Federal Recreation Pass is required at posted Parks and Recreation Commission. Maintenance recreation sites within the National Forest. is secondary to highway plowing, and they are not Honored are the Regional Northwest Forest Pass Restricted roadside parking is also in and a suite of Federal Recreation Passes. place around the Picture Lake loop and sanded or graveled. Northwest Forest Day Pass: $5 by the Mt. Baker Ski Area upper lodge WA State Sno-Park Permit Prices: Northwest Forest Annual Pass: $30 daily from 7pm-7am. One-Day Permit: $20 per vehicle Federal Annual Pass: $80 Seasonal Permit: $40 per vehicle Senior Lifetime Pass: $80, Annual $20 *A $2 handling fee is charged when State Sno-Park Access Pass: Free with proof of disability. permits are purchased from retail locations. Military Pass: Free 4th Grade Pass: Free Be Safe & Aware National Forest trails & recreation sites may not be accessible during winter months due to variable Swift Creek circumstances such as snow levels, windfall and rock or mud slides.

Please check current conditions by calling a local ranger station or checking on-line at www.fs.usda.gov/mbs & www.nps.gov.noca

SnoParkSnoPark Washington State Sno-Parks Ski & *Unless otherwise noted a State Sno-Park permit is required Snowboard Area Located along the upper FS Rds. 12, 1230 & 13 reaches of the Mt. Baker Groomed roads lead to the Mt. Baker National Recreation Area (NRA) Highway, the Mt. Baker Ski on the south side of Mt. Baker and to Blue Lake, FS Rd. 1230, below Area has a wide range of Dock Butte. runs for snowboarders and skiers. When open, daily Snowmobile use is allowed in the NRA when snow levels operating hours are from are above 24” at the trailhead located at the end of FS Rd. 9:00 am to 3:30 pm. 13. Snowmobile use is prohibited in the adjacent Mt. Baker Day lodges offer spectacular mountain views and services, including Wilderness including the volcanic crater and summit of Mt. Baker. food, rentals, retail sales and classes.

Anderson-Watson - FS Rd. 1107 Mt. Baker Ski Area strictly prohibits sledding and snowplay within East of Baker Lake Road past Uppe Baker dam. 14 mile trail system. ski area boundaries. For public safety, cross-country skiers and snowshoers must stay off downhill ski runs. There is no overnight lodging and snow camping restrictions apply within the area. Shadow of the Sentinels Trailhead - No Permit Required Parking for cross-country skiing, snow play & snowshoeing in the Baker Lake basin. Mt. Baker Ski Area Information: www.mtbaker.us South Skagit Area 360-671-0211 (SNOW REPORT), 360-734-6771 (Business Office).

Finney Creek - FS Rd. 17 Cross-Country Ski & Snowshoe State Route 20 southeast to Concrete-Sauk Valley Road and FS Rd. 17. When snow levels are sufficient, snowshoe trails, ski tracks and skate ski lanes are set at the Salmon Ridge Sno-Park off the Mt. Baker Segelson Creek - FS Rd. 18 Highway. East of Darrington; Hwy. 530 to FS Rd. 18. The Sno-Park lot and groomed trails are maintained by Nooksack Mt. Baker Highway Area Nordic Ski Club and WA State Parks in agreement with the Forest Service. Visitors not on skis are asked to stay off groomed snow Glacier Creek -FS Rd. 39 routes. 3/4 mile east of Glacier, an approximately 15 mile groomed snowmobile route leads out towards Grouse Butte. Check out current conditions & activities at the club website: www.nooksacknordicskiclub.org Canyon Creek - FS Rd. 31 1.5 miles east of Glacier, leads into the Canyon Creek drainage. Snowplay Salmon Ridge Sno-Park -Non-motorized use only. National Forest & Park lands offer opportunities for sledding, tubing MP46 east of Glacier on State Route 542. and snow play activities. Be aware of weather forecasts and avalanche conditions. Outside of developed ski areas there is no regular patrol or maintenance and snow play activities are at your own risk. Mt. Baker National Recreation Area Snowmobile The Mt. Baker National Recreation Area on the south east side of Snowmobiles are prohibited in Congressionally designated Mt. Baker is open to a wide variety of winter recreation activities Wilderness Areas. Please take the time to know your location and including snowmobiling. stay out of designated Wilderness. When snowmobiling in the Mt. Baker NRA, take the time to Washington State snowmobile registration includes a State Sno-Park map your location and keep out of the surrounding Mt. Baker Wilderness where motorized equipment is prohibited. parking permit. If registered in another State or Canadian Province a State Sno-Park permit should be purchased locally. Large crevasses exist on the glaciated slopes of Mt. Baker. In winter these natural hazards may be hidden by snow bridges and not readily visible. *WA State Sno-Park Permits are available on-line at: www.parks. wa.gov/winter Mt. Baker Scenic Byway, SR 542

Salmon Ridge Nordic Area

Mt.Baker Ski Area Heather Meadows

Picture Lake Path To Glacier, WA Trail 735 Picture (USFS/NPS Heather Meadows Lake 542 Information) *Trails snow covered in winter Mount Herman Highwood 6286 ft Lake Mt. Baker 1916 m Bagley Lakes Ski Area Trailhead Parking Mt. Baker White Salmon Highway Mazama Dome Day Lodge l i 5842 ft a Arbuthnot r Mt. Baker Ski Area 1781 m T s

hain e C L e a s Lake k s Heather Meadows e k s e T o ra a i k L Day Lodge l Bagley o Gate closed Hayes Trail a G L y in summer Lake 682 e n l i d Austin Pass Lakes l g i a a Picnic Area h B W C ount Baker Sk M i Are Forest Recreation Along The Byway Galena a Chain Iceberg Heather Meadows Lake Visitor Center Lakes Fire and il ra (Summer Only) Ice Trail T e Trail 684.2 s During winter, access to National ain o ount o le M G S b d h Mazama Ta l u Trail 681 i k Lake W s Forest lands around Mt.Baker may an 2 68 Ar ail m Tr Artist Point be limited. Trails are typically snow MOUNT BAKER Artist Ridge Trail 600 Trail WILDERNESS covered as they ascend to higher Huntoon 0 Scale 0.7 mi To Ptarmigan Ridge Point To elevations and are not marked. Trail 682.1 Lake Ann 0 1.0 km Orienteering skills and knowledge Hannegan Pass Rd #32 White Salmon Rd #3075 of backcountry travel in avalanche Hannegan Pass Road is a good multi-user Located 18 miles east of Glacier off of a snow-play area when snow levels are low switchback about ¼ mile before the Mt. terrain is needed. enough. Located 13 miles east of Glacier, the Baker Ski Area’s White Salmon Day Lodge. road is signed and parking is available at the Limited parking can fill early on weekends Glacier Creek Rd. #39 Shuksan Picnic Area at the base of the road. and holidays. Park off the highway at the Road is groomed for snowmobiles, but all A Federal Recreation Pass is required at the beginning of the road. users are welcome. Leads to Heliotrope picnic area. Ridge Trailhead and climbing access for Distance to the end of the road is 2 miles Mt. Baker. State Sno-Park permit required. Winter recreationists can head up the road one way. There are great views of Mt. 1.4 miles to a junction with FS Road 34, Shuksan, the Nooksack River, and peaks to Deadhorse Creek Rd. #37 enjoying breakout views of Mt. Shuksan and the north. Ruth Creek along the way. Travel this side Drive until you reach snow level and then Heather Meadows head out towards Skyline Divide Trailhead. road 1 mile to it’s terminus at Ruth Creek and the Nooksack Cirque Trailhead. The Mt. Baker Ski Area operates in Heather Meadows during winter months. Canyon Creek Rd. #31 Hannegan Pass Road follows an easy Backcountry travel outside of the Mt. Leads into Canyon Creek drainage. forested route past the junction with FS Baker Ski Area including to Artist Point Washington State Sno-Park required. Road 34, leading to the Goat Mt. Trailhead is at your own risk. There are no marked at MP 2.5. The road then narrows and there routes and these areas are not controlled Wells Creek Rd. #33 are avalanche run-out zones that cross the for . Head out from the seasonal road closure road after the Goat Mt. Trailhead. Be aware of avalanche and weather gate to the switchback with a view at one forecasts, and be prepared for backcountry mile. Beyond one mile there are avalanche Razorhone Rd. #3070 & travel through avalanche terrain. In run out zones that cross the road. Anderson Creek Rd. #3071 the backcountry there is limited rescue response and minimum rescue times may Located 13.5 miles east of Glacier. Parking is be in excess of four hours. Twin Lakes Rd. #3065 available on both sides of the highway at the The road is usually bermed up at junction Salmon Ridge Sno-Park (permit required). with the Mt. Baker Hwy. If snow is at that Hiking Opportunities level the road can be followed, but does This area is groomed for cross-country Horseshoe Bend Trail, one mile east cross through avalanche terrain. Leads skiing when snow levels are low enough. of Glacier offers year round hiking to Yellow Aster Butte TH, Twin Lakes & Snowshoers are asked to walk off to the side along the river. Church Mt., Excelsior Winchester Mountain. of groomed routes. Dogs are discouraged Pass (from the highway) Welcome in this area, but welcomed in the snowshoe Pass and Goat Mt. trails may also route across the highway in Silver Fir Cg. offer early season hiking. Be Prepared Heading outdoors in the winter takes some preparation. Hypothermia, caused by the lowering of body temperature, can come on quickly.

Protect yourself and carry the proper equipment:

• Navigation-map & compass • Extra Clothing-hat & gloves • Plenty of drinking water • Nutrition-energy foods • Illumination-extra batteries • UV Protection • First Aid Supplies • Fire Starter • Repair Kit Tools-Knife,Cord • Emergency Shelter

User Ethics • Pack it in; pack it out. • Dispose of all waste properly. • Be courteous to other recreationists. • Avoid disturbing wildlife and Ski Area stay out of areas posted as closed for their protection. Learn about “Leave No Trace” principles at: Ski Area www.lnt.org

Winter Travel in North Cascades Wildlife Viewing National Park Eagle Watching along the

North Cascades National Park offers varied Every winter, hundreds of bald eagles fly in explorations throughout winter months. to feed on the dying salmon that spawn in Day trips may include a relaxed drive up the the Skagit and other Northwest rivers. This Skagit River valley to view wildlife and scenic seasonal migration provides excellent bird vistas or an energetic snowshoe trek in the watching and photography opportunities. mountains. Skagit River Eagle Viewing Sites are located in Travel on Highway 20 over Washington Pass is Rockport at Howard Miller Steelhead County managed on a seasonal basis by Washington Park, Milepost 100 along Hwy. 20 and at the State Department of Transportation. On Marblemount Hatchery. Guided programs may the western side of the route, the highway be offered at varied sites and times during is closed during winter months by the Ross winter months by Forest Service staff and Lake trailhead or Colonial Creek Campground. volunteers from local communities. Depending on snow depth and avalanche Along the North Fork Nooksack River enjoy hazards the closing date is typically sometime eagle viewing at the Washington State Fish Hatchery west of Kendall and the Truck Road in November, with a mid-April opening. area adjacent to State Route 542 near Deming.

Check current road conditions at: Experience a different view by getting on the waterways with permitted river guides. www.wsdot.wa.gov. Check out the list of outfitter guides on the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie website under Permits and Passes. National Park lands on the east side of the include the scenic community Wildlife Viewing Tips of Stehekin at the north end of Lake Chelan. The Lady of the Lake ferry provides round-trip • Be prepared with warm clothing and rain gear. • Best viewing may be between dawn and 11 am when eagles are feeding. service between Chelan and Stehekin. For an • A car is a great viewing blind. up-to-date schedule and visitor information • Please avoid startling eagles. They need to conserve energy. Keep noises low and avoid on this remote area visit: www.stehekin.com. sudden movements. Keep pets at home or leave them in the car. • Do not go out on gravel bars or try to approach wildlife. Learn more about North Cascades winter • Be considerate of private property and cautious about highway traffic. activities, visitor services, current conditions, and lodging options in Stehekin and the State Route 20 communities at: www.nps.gov/noca or call 360 854-7200.

Winter Activity Guide Provided by North Cascades Institute National Forest Branch Funds.