Boulder Creek Campground

Food Storage Order in place for Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest

The Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest has a food storage order in effect across the entire Forest. This order requires visitors to the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest to store food items in a “bear resistant manner” and to properly dispose of wildlife attractants. The food storage order is intended to reduce human/wildlife conflicts resulting from readily available food sources and other attractants.

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOREST SERVICE
MT. BAKER-SNOQUALMIE NATIONAL FOREST ORDER# 06-05-25-01
Forest Area Closure

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 CFR § 261.50(a), to minimize adverse interactions between humans, bears, and other wildlife and provide for visitor safety, the following acts are prohibited within the
boundaries of the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest as described below and shown in Exhibit A. Also attached, and hereby made part of this Order, Exhibit B - Definitions of terms used in support of the
restrictions. This order will be effective from April 15, 2025, to April 15, 2027, unless rescinded sooner.

PROHIBITION:

Possessing or storing any food or refuse, except as specified under this order 36 CFR 261.SS(cc)
Possessing, storing, or transporting any bird, fish, or other animal or parts thereof, except as specified under this order 36 CFR 261.58(s)

This order requires that:

All food and refuse must be acceptably stored or acceptably possessed during daytime hours.
All food and refuse must be acceptably stored during nighttime hours, unless it is being prepared for eating, being eaten, being transported, or being prepared for acceptable storage.
Any harvested animal carcass must be acceptably stored, unless the carcass is being field dressed, transported, being prepared for eating, or being prepared for acceptable storage.
Burnable attractants that cannot be completely consumed by fire (i.e., no post burning residue) must be packed out.

PROHIBITION AREA DESCRIPTION:

All National Forest System lands within the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.

EXEMPTIONS:

Pursuant to 36 CFR § 261.SO(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order:

Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or fire-fighting force in the performance of an official duty.
Persons with a Valid Forest Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation or Order (Form FS-7700-48), specifically exempting them from this order.
Persons with a Forest Service special use authorization or other authorization specifically exempting them from the effect of this Order.
Any Federal or State officer placing baits to capture animals for research or management
purposes as part of their official duties.

This prohibition is in addition to the general prohibitions in 36 CFR Part 261, Subpart A.

Violations of this prohibition are punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for not more than 6 months, or both (16 U.S.C. § 551; 18 U.S.C. §§ 3551, 3559, 3571, and 3581).

Executed in Everett, Washington, this 3rd day of March, 2025.

Overview

Boulder Creek Campground sits along the banks of Boulder Creek in the stunning Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. The unique setting offers many recreational activities and scenic views. Baker Lake is close by, and several hiking trails and climbing routes are within a short driving distance.

Recreation

The surrounding area is a prime location for hiking, climbing, boating, fishing, picnicking and horseback riding in summer and early fall, and snowmobiling in the winter months. Baker Lake is a popular destination for boating, water skiing, canoeing, fishing and swimming. Anglers cast for a variety of fish species. Boat ramps are available at Horseshoe Cove, Swift Creek and Shannon Creek Campgrounds. The nearby Baker Lake Trail is an easy family hike that begins in a majestic stand of Douglas fir. In 1843, a small eruption of Mt. Baker caused a forest fire, and visitors can still see the burned snags of virgin cedar trees that once dominated the area. The trail contours above the eastern shoreline of Baker Lake. The Shadow of the Sentinels Trail begins just south of the campground. This accessible interpretive trail winds through a 500-year old ancient forest. Displays along the path explain the dynamics of the forest. The trail is constructed of asphalt and boardwalks with grades no greater than 8%.

Facilities

Boulder Creek Campground accommodates both tent and RV campers, and contains a group site. Picnic tables, campfire rings and vault toilets are provided, but drinking water and hookups are not available. Visitors must bring their own supply of water.

Natural Features

The Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest showcases rugged peaks, sparkling alpine lakes and old-growth forests, providing visitors with unique and surprising landscapes. Mt. Baker, the most prominent feature of the Mt. Baker Wilderness, dominates the landscape on a clear day. Rising to an elevation of 10,781 feet, the active volcano is perpetually snow-capped and mantled with an extensive network of creeping glaciers. Mt. Baker's summit, Grant Peak, is a 1,300-foot-deep mound of ice, which hides a massive volcanic crater. Wildlife in the area includes mountain goats traversing the higher elevations to squirrels and black bears in the forests. Migratory birds and native fish find ample habitat in the varied ecosystems as well.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (530) 932-0242.

Nearby Attractions

Hike in the mountains above the lake in the Mt. Baker National Recreation Area or Mt. Baker Wilderness or take some time to visit North Cascades National Park. This unique park features a deep blue lake surrounded by sheer, 2,000' cliffs, two picturesque islands and a violent volcanic past. Hiking trails, a visitor center and educational programs are available.

Charges & Cancellations

Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.

Camp site features

Across 9 camp sites:

Fire pit: all 9 sites
Pets allowed: all 9 sites
Group sites: 1 of 9 sites
Longest RV: 30 ft
Largest party: 25 people

Directions

From Seattle, go north on I-5 to Burlington. Take Exit 230 East on State Route 20. Go past the Mt. Baker Ranger District Office in Sedro-Woolley and follow State Route 20 east for 16 miles to milepost 82. Turn left (north) on the Baker Lake Highway (Forest Service Road 11). Continue for 17.8 miles to the sign for Boulder Creek Camground on the right.

Stay Limit

Check in from 2 PM, check out by 12 PM.

Reviews

49 reviews

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 stars

Kathryn H

Loop:Boul

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

Multiple signs that people were exceeding the 14-day use limit and vandalizing the area, including mattresses discarded on the ground at a campsite, very elaborate set-ups of furniture, and lighter fluid (by smell) poured over rocks. Vehicles park some distance from sites, so plan accordingly given that it is a dry campground, no water available. Also note that there are no picnic tables.

Anastashia H

Loop:Boul

Site:

Reviewed 3 months ago

This was our 4th camping trip of the year. I liked the area, quiet (with the exception of the river), far from others, secluded (site 09), bathrooms were clean. The small hike down to the site wasn't the greatest, we managed. We aren't big hikers, so there wasn't much that we did. Walked the riverbed a couple times, searched for the hot springs. It rained the day we arrived, so that was fun. 2nd day was beautiful, not to hot. Site was well shaded w/ spots of sun. Wasn't excited that a family of 5 decided to ask to walk through our site, obviously they don't have the same "camper rules". 3rd day smoke rolled in, although not bad, we were done. Left a day early. Campsite was a great site--clean, quiet, secluded. The 10ft or so to get all your gear down wasn't horrible (glad we didn't bring ALL our stuff, camped light this go). There are several stumps, roots & big rocks over by the table, close to the river "trail". May go back, again 4th trip, partial to Grandy :)

robert d

Loop:Boul

Site:

Reviewed 3 months ago

SUPER SMOOTH EXPREIANCE I WOULD RESERVE AGAIN .VERY CLEAN ,BATHROOM WAS SUPER CLEAN .WE HAD PLENTY OF ROOM TO WORK WITH.GREAT TIME THERE. THANKS ROBERT DUNHAM

Brooke L

Loop:Boul

Site:

Reviewed 3 months ago

The campsite was really clean and adequately far from other sites, but it was quite small and there was no way down to the river unless you go through another person’s campsite or up to cross the highway. Bathrooms were clean.

Garett V

Loop:Boul

Site:

Reviewed 5 months ago

The campground at Boulder Creek was very clean and well-kept. The sites are spacious and are a good distance from other sites. We really appreciated this as it provides privacy. We would definitely camp here again and would recommend it to others!

Ksenja T

Loop:Boul

Site:

Reviewed 5 months ago

I would never book Site 7 again. It was very tiny and the designated tent area was so uneven that my tent wouldn't fit properly. It's also very close to the edge, which wasn't ideal with young kids. Thankfully, I was able to make another setup work. That said, everything else about the campground was wonderful. The setting was beautiful, the toilet was surprisingly clean, and the creek provided hours of fun and exploration for the kids. There was plenty of room for them to ride their bikes along the campground road, and because it's one-way traffic, I didn't have to worry as much about vehicles. It was quiet, peaceful, and the sound of the creek in the background was fantastic. I would absolutely stay here again, but I'd be much more selective about which site I reserved.

Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

Reserve