| The Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest in Washington extends over 140 miles along the western slopes of the Cascade Mountains from the Canadian border to the north boundary of Mt. Rainier National Park. Nearly five million people in or near the Puget Sound and Vancouver, B.C. metropolitan areas are within 70 miles west of the forest. In addition, four major mountain passes cross the Cascades through the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, making this one of the most visible national forests in the country.Forest visitors enjoy a wide range of year-round recreation opportunities which include developed campgrounds, numerous picnic areas and scenic viewpoints. There are over 1,500 miles of trails including over 100 miles of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail. Trails are open to hikers, mountain bikers, ATVs, and horseback riders.The forest also provides hundreds of accessible lakes, rivers and streams and ample opportunities for hunting and fishing, river rafting, bird-watching, mountain climbing, berry picking and general sightseeing. Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest contains part of eight wilderness areas, which comprise 720,000 acres. The forest also is responsible for the management of seven downhill ski areas which provide a wide variety of alpine skiing and snowboarding opportunities. Sno-Parks offer snowmobile and cross-country ski trail access as well as dog sledding and snowshoeing opportunities. |
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