Ranger District National Park National Forest & Park Adventures

Head east along the Mt. Baker Highway to access National Forest lands and the popular Mt. Baker Ski Area. Travel the picturesque Highway 20 along the Skagit Wild & Scenic River into the Winter Activity heart of the North Cascades. Guide Travel Tips Contacts 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 810 State Route 20 conditions can change dramatically and Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284 State Winter Recreation and with little warning. (360) 856-5700 ext. 515 State Sno-Park Information: www.parks.wa.gov/winter Enjoy your outing by being prepared Glacier Public Service Center 10091 Mt. Baker Highway Mt. Baker Ski Area and checking National Weather Service Glacier, WA 98244 Ski Area Report: forecasts before heading out. (360) 599-2714 (360) 671-0211 http://www.fs.usda.gov/mbs • Let someone know where you are www.mtbaker.us going and when you expect to return. North Cascades National Park Service Cross-country ski & snowshoe trails along • Prepare your vehicle for winter travel. Complex the Mt. Baker Highway: (360) 854-7200 • Always carry tire chains and a shovel - www.nooksacknordicskiclub.org practice putting tire chains on before www.nps.gov/noca you head out. For eagle watching information visit: Washington State Road Conditions: • Use reflectors in case of emergency. Skagit River Bald Eagle Interpretive Center Dept. of Transportation Rockport, WA • Store valuables out of sight when Dial 511 from within Washington State (360) 853-7626 parked at a trailhead or recreation www.wsdot.wa.gov www.skagiteagle.org site. • Do not rely on cell service - signal strength may vary depending on location, terrain and weather. Recreation Passes and Permits Northwest Center Washington State Sno-Parks Federal Recreation Passes promotes safe winter travel by Sno-Parks are maintained by Washington A Federal Recreation Pass is required providing recent snowpack observations, State Parks and Recreation Commission. at posted recreation sites within the mountain weather and avalanche forecasts. Sno-Park plowing is secondary to highway National Forest. Honored are the Regional plowing, and they are not sanded or graveled. Northwest Forest Pass and National Parks Learn more at: www.nwac.us and Federal Lands Annual, Senior and WA State Sno-Park Permit Prices: Access Passes. Ask for a free National Forest Motor One-Day Permit: $20 per vehicle NW Forest Day Pass: $5 Vehicle Use Map detailing routes and Seasonal Permit: $40 per vehicle NW Forest Annual Pass: $30 *A $2 handling fee is charged when State travel restrictions at your local Forest Federal Annual Pass: $80 Sno-Park permits are purchased from retail Senior Lifetime Pass: $80, Annual $20 Service office. locations. Be Safe & Aware National Forest trails & recreation sites may not be as 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 Baker Lake 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 & Sled 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 parking permit. If registered in another State or Canadian Province a Wilderness where motorized equipment is prohibited. 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 or at local ranger stations during operating hours. 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. Park off the highway at the Glacier Creek Rd. #39 Shuksan Picnic Area at the base of the road. beginning of the road. Road is groomed for snowmobiles, but all A Federal Recreation Pass is required at the users are welcome. Leads to Heliotrope picnic area where there is a vault toilet, Distance to the end of the road is 2 miles Ridge Trailhead and climbing access for picnic tables, trash and recycling. one way. There are great views of Mt. Mt. Baker. State Sno-Park permit required. Shuksan, the Nooksack River, and peaks to Winter recreationists can head up the road the north. 1.4 miles to a junction with FS Road 34, Deadhorse Creek Rd. #37 Heather Meadows Drive until you reach snow level and then enjoying breakout views of Mt. Shuksan and Ruth Creek along the way. Travel this side The Mt. Baker Ski Area operates in head out towards Skyline Divide Trailhead. Heather Meadows during winter months. Travel through fairly open terrain along road 1 mile to it’s terminus at Ruth Creek and the Nooksack Cirque Trailhead. Backcountry travel outside of the Mt. road. Baker Ski Area is at your own risk as these Hannegan Pass Road follows an easy areas are not controlled for . Canyon Creek Rd. #31 forested route past the junction with FS Leads into Canyon Creek drainage. Nice Road 34, leading to the Goat Mt. Trailhead Artist Point alternative for dog sleds & skijouring. at MP 2.5. The road then narrows and there Travel to Artist Point is in uncontrolled are avalanche run-out zones that cross the terrain outside of the Mt. Baker Ski Area Wells Creek Rd. #33 road after the Goat Mt. Trailhead. boundaries and is at your own risk. If Head out from the seasonal road closure you head out to Artist Point be aware of gate to the switchback with a view at one Razorhone Rd. #3070 & avalanche and weather forecasts, and be mile. Beyond one mile there are typically prepared for backcountry travel through Anderson Creek Rd. #3071 areas that may be prone to avalanches. avalanche run out zones that cross the Located 13.5 miles east of Glacier. Parking is road. available on both sides of the highway at the Hiking Opportunities Salmon Ridge Sno-Park (permit required). Horseshoe Bend Trail, one mile Twin Lakes Rd. #3065 east of Glacier across from The road is usually bermed up at junction This area is groomed for cross-country Douglas Fir Campground offers with the Mt. Baker Hwy. If snow is at that skiing when snow levels are low enough. year round hiking along the river. level the road can be followed, but does Snowshoers are asked to walk off to the side Church Mt., Excelsior Pass (from the cross through avalanche terrain. Leads of groomed routes and dogs are discouraged highway) Welcome Pass and Goat to Yellow Aster Butte TH, Twin Lakes & in this area Mt. trails may also be good options Winchester Mountain. for off or 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 Rivers Every winter, hundreds of bald eagles fly in The North Cascades backcountry abounds with challenge and adventure in winter. 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 During the winter, State Route 20 may close often staffed with Eagle Watcher Volunteers on by the Ross Lake trailhead or at Colonial Creek weekends in December and January. Sites are Campground. This does not allow for east/ located in Rockport at Howard Miller Steelhead west vehicular travel over Washington Pass. County Park, Milepost 100 along Hwy. 20 and at Depending on snow depth and avalanche the Marblemount Hatchery. hazards the closing date is typically sometime On weekends, visitor services include in November, with a mid-April opening. presentations at community based Skagit River Bald Eagle Interpretive Center, located Check current road conditions at: in Rockport at Howard Miller Steelhead County Park. You can also visit the Marblemount www.wsdot.wa.gov. Hatchery where a self-guided tour is available year round.

National Park lands on the east side of the Along the North Fork Nooksack River enjoy eagle viewing at the Washington State include the scenic community Fish Hatchery west of Kendall and the Truck Road area adjacent to State Route 542 near of Stehekin at the north end of Lake Chelan. Deming. The Lady of the Lake ferry provides round-trip service between Chelan and Stehekin. For an Experience a different view by getting on the waterways with permitted river guides. up-to-date schedule and visitor information Check out the list of outfitter guides on the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie website under Permits on this remote area visit: www.stehekin.com. and Passes or ask for trip details at a Ranger Station.

Learn more about North Cascades winter Wildlife Viewing Tips activities, visitor services, current conditions, • Be prepared with warm clothing and rain gear. and lodging options in Stehekin and the State • Best viewing may be between dawn and 11 am when eagles are feeding. Route 20 communities at: • A car is a great viewing blind. www.nps.gov/noca or call 360 854-7200. • Please avoid startling eagles. They need to conserve energy. Keep noises low and avoid sudden movements. Keep pets at home or leave them in the car. • Do not go out on gravel bars or try to approach wildlife.

Winter Activity Guide Provided by North Cascades Institute Retail Park & Forest Branch Funds.