Time for camping: Forest Service campgrounds open Friday

Most campgrounds in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest will open on Friday.

A few campgrounds will remain closed for a time. Gold Basin Campground, 14 miles east of Granite Falls on the Mountain Loop Highway, will remain closed for a safety review.

“In light of the Oso/530 landslide we are taking a hard look at the historic Gold Basin slide path adjacent to the campground. Our first goal remains helping the communities affected by the Oso/530 slide,” said Peter Forbes, Darrington District Ranger, in a press release. “Opening the campground will be delayed until the safety evaluation is complete.”

The San Juan, Troublesome Creek and Corral Pass campgrounds are still closed due to snow. Depending up snow levels, San Juan and Troublesome Creek will likely open May 29. Corral Pass usually opens in mid-July.

For a list and map of campgrounds in Snohomish County, Forest Service and otherwise, click here.

To see all of the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest Campgrounds, click here. For group camps, go here. Camping at non-designated sites is also allowed in the national forest, as long as you follow some basic rules. Information on that is here.

Forest Service campgrounds can be reserved. Reserve a campground on the National Recreation Reservation System. Some sites can also be reserved through campground concessionaire, HooDoo, or contact Rob Ralph for more information at 360-691-1841.

Check current trail and road conditions before visiting the forest. Local ranger districts and public service centers can provide more information on camping, hiking and access:

  • Darrington Ranger District, 360-436-1155
  • Verlot Public Service Center, 360-691-7791
  • Snoqualmie Ranger District, 425-888-1421
  • Enumclaw Public Service Center, 360-825-6585
  • Mt. Baker Ranger District, 360-856-5700
  • Glacier Public Service Center, 360-599-2714
  • Skykomish Ranger District, 360-677-2414
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