EVERETT — Campgrounds, trails and day-use sites were shut down Friday in Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest due to COVID-19.
The U.S. Forest Service announcement followed closures of public spaces over the past week by cities, counties and the state in an effort to encourage social distancing under a stay-home order by Gov. Jay Inslee.
Much of Snohomish County’s most remote land is part of the 2,690-square-mile forest, which runs from the U.S.-Canadian border to Mount Rainier National Park. The headquarters is in Everett.
“We are following CDC and departmental guidelines regarding COVID-19, are closely monitoring the situation, and will evaluate potential impacts to the Forest and respond as needed,” said Jamie Kingsbury, Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest supervisor, in a written statement.
The closure restricts access to the forest’s visitor centers, boat launches and hundreds of miles of trails through Sept. 30. If the public health crisis improves sooner, the order could be rescinded.
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