Coal Creek Group Camp

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 This order will be effective from April 15, 2025, to April 15, 2027, unless rescinded sooner.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

Coal Creek Group Campground sits along the scenic Mountain Loop Road in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.

Surrounded by stands of old-growth forest and located near the confluence the of the tranquil Stillaguamish River and bubbling Coal Creek, this site is ideal for small group or family camping excursions.

Recreation

Coal Creek is a prime location for hiking, fishing, picnicking and horseback riding in summer and early fall, and offers excellent skiing and snowshoeing in the winter months.

Hikers may want to explore the nearby Big Four Ice Caves Trail off of the Mountain Loop Highway. The trail ends with a view of the ice fields and the immense north face of the 6,153 foot Big Four Mountain. The caves are exposed during August and remain visible through October.

The nearby Gold Basin Mill Pond interpretive trail is also accessible from the campground. This interpretive site includes a short, barrier-free trail that passes by mill relics and ends on a floating viewpoint looking across the old millpond. Interpretive signs discuss the history of the mill and the wildlife in the area. The trail is located directly across from the Gold Basin Campground.

Facilities

The campground offers one large group campsite, making it a perfect setting for families or groups wanting privacy. The site can accommodate about 25 guests and is ideal for tent mixed with RVs.

The site is equipped with tables, tent pads, campfire rings with grills and vault toilets.

Natural Features

Located in the majestic Cascade region of Washington, the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest showcases rugged peaks, scenic rivers and lush forests.

The banks of the Stillaguamish River are lined with old-growth forests of cedar, fir and hemlock.

On a clear day visitors can spot Mt. Baker, the most prominent feature of the Mt. Baker Wilderness Area. Rising to an elevation of 10,781 feet, this active volcano is perpetually snow-capped and mantled with an extensive network of creeping glaciers. Mt. Baker's summit, Grant Peak, is actually a 1,300-foot-deep mound of ice, which hides a massive volcanic crater.

The surrounding undeveloped wilderness, clean streams and diverse forests support an abundance of wildlife. In addition to being home for a multitude of mammals, birds, amphibians and reptiles, the area sustains more rare species such as lynx, moose, wolves and wolverine. Grizzly bear sightings have been confirmed in the Cascade region, though black bear sightings are more common.

Contact Info

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

Nearby Attractions

Visitors enjoy the North Cascades and Mt. Rainer National Parks, where interpretive programs and exhibits offer education about the diverse landscape and history of the area.

The spectacular Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), one of the world's premier National Scenic Trails, showcases some of North America's most fantastic scenery, winding its way its way from Mexico to Canada through California, Oregon and Washington, and is accessible near the campground.

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 1 camp site:

Fire pit: all 1 sites
Picnic table: all 1 sites
Pets allowed: all 1 sites
Group sites: all 1 sites
Longest RV: 36 ft
Largest party: 25 people

Directions

From Seattle, Washington, go north on I-5 to Everett. Take exit 194 onto Highway 2, then head north at Highway 204 towards Lake Stevens. Turn north on Highway 9, then east on Highway 92 to Granite Falls. The campground is located approximately 23.5 miles east of Granite Falls on Highway 7 Scenic Byway.

Stay Limit

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

Reviews

4 reviews

5 stars

Anna H

Loop:Coal

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

Great place to camp about 30 minutes out from Granite Falls. There is a creek on one side and the river along the back of the property line. Plenty of parking and 3 designated tent spots. Second pull out area with a picnic table and fire pit. We had 8-10 people and our dog and had room for twice that! I have camped at several group campgrounds and this is by far my favorite one! There is a dispersed campground on the other side of the creek that people do stay at quite a bit, but it's far enough away that it shouldn't bother your stay! This is for sure a 5 out of 5 for campgrounds in the area!

Judy R S

Loop:Coal

Site:

Reviewed 3 months ago

I absolutely love everything about Coal Creek Group Campground. It has been a family favorite for years.

Chris H

Loop:Coal

Site:

Reviewed 5 months ago

Perfect site for for couples.

Honyin C

Loop:Coal

Site:

Reviewed a year ago

We had five families with small children ranging from 4 months to 5 years old and we had a blast! It was completely private with the creek running right next to the campsite. There was so much space and it exceeded all expectations. No cell service but I consider that a plus not a negative

Availability

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

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