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 This order will be effective from April 15, 2025, to April 15, 2027, unless rescinded sooner.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

Situated on the banks of North Fork Nooksack River in Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Douglas Fir Campground offers stunning scenery and access to numerous recreational activities popular in the north Cascades Mountains in Washington.

Recreation

The campground provides a prime location for hiking and picnicking in summer and early fall. Horseshoe Bend Trail is an easy forest hike along the Mt. Baker Scenic Byway, highlighting old-growth forests, gushing whitewater and forest wildflowers. Whitewater rafting enthusiasts put in at the trailhead, and experienced kaykers can be seen on rapids as the trail follows the North Fork of the Nooksack River upstream past a stunning view of Church Mountain. Hikers and backpackers are especially fortunate to have access to a variety of trails near the campground and in the surrounding Mt. Baker Wilderness area. One of the most popular hikes in the Mt. Baker Ranger District is the Skyline Divide Trail. This trail climbs steadily for two miles through forest into lush, open meadows with sweeping views of glacier-draped Mt. Baker. The trail then wanders along Skyline Divide for another 2 miles, offering views of rivers, forests and countless peaks.

Facilities

Douglas Fir Campground offers standard sites, accomodating tents and RVs. Several campsites are located at the river's edge, while others are shaded by a mature, mixed conifer forest. A historic sheltered picnic area, constructed by the Civilian Conservation Crew, is also available for reservation. Vault toilets and drinking water are available Individual sites are equipped with picnic tables, campfire rings and tent pads.

Natural Features

Hemmed in by several designated wilderness areas, the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest showcases rugged peaks, sparkling alpine lakes and old-growth forests, providing visitors with a variety of scenic landscapes. 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. Wildlife in the area include a variety of salmon species, elk, bald eagle and black tail deer. Migratory birds and black bears find ample habitat in the surrounding ecosystems.

Contact Info

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

Nearby Attractions

Visitors enjoy hiking, picnicking and photography in the Heather Meadows area located along the upper reaches of the Mt. Baker Scenic Byway, SR 542. Many popular hikes and climbing routes are located in the surrounding Mt. Baker Wilderness and backpackers enjoy visiting the northern reaches of North Cascades National Park.

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 29 camp sites:

Fire pit: 24 of 29 sites
Pets allowed: all 29 sites
ADA accessible: 3 of 29 sites
Longest RV: 100 ft
Largest party: 6 people
Equipment: RV, Tent, Trailer

Directions

From Seattle, Washington, go north on I-5 to Bellingham. Take exit 255 onto Sunset Drive/Mt. Baker Highway SR 542. Continue on SR 542 past the town of Glacier near mile 33 and continue approximately 2 miles to the campground. The campground is on the left (west) side of the highway just after crossing the bridge over the North Fork Nooksack River.

Stay Limit

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

Reviews

269 reviews

5 stars

224

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 stars

Genevieve F

Loop:Doug

Site:

Reviewed a month ago

Lovely stay with great weather. Hadn’t rained in a while and stayed dry. The pump was a bit silty. Some of the bank by the day use area was washed away in the last year or so. Love this campground.

Thom J

Loop:Doug

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

Beautiful campground on the river. Peaceful and secluded. Salmon spawning in the river visible from day use area. A short drive up to Artist Point and lots of views and hikes. We’ll be back!

William H

Loop:Doug

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

Beautiful campground right on the river

Jenifer D

Loop:Doug

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

Another excellent experience at this sweet Campground. From the hospitality provided by Ed to meeting new friends to enjoying the river and the trees surrounding it. Can’t wait to visit again possibly next year.

Ken & Colleen C

Loop:Doug

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

Ed (camp host) was awesome, personable and so cheerful. the campground was clean including the bathrooms. Love this campground and will be back.

IGOR M

Loop:Doug

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

Wonderful campground among tall trees and on the rocky banks of a river. Thanks to the dedicated host the campground is meticulously maintained, clean and orderly.

Availability

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

Reserve