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 This order will be effective from April 15, 2025, to April 15, 2027, unless rescinded sooner.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

Esswine Group Campground is located on the banks of the tranquil Stillaguamish River in The Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. The camp is close to several wilderness areas and offers visitors opportunities to experience both the serene and wild aspects of the Cascade region.

Recreation

In addition to being a prime location for hiking, fishing, picnicking and horseback riding in summer and early fall, Esswine offers excellent skiing and snowshoeing in the winter months.

Anglers will enjoy fishing from the gently-flowing Stillaguamish River, which is known for its salmon run. Chinook, coho, chum, pink and sockeye salmon, steelhead trout, sea-run cutthroat and bull trout use the river and its tributaries for spawning.

Facilities

Esswine offers one large group campsite, making it a perfect setting for families or groups wanting privacy. The site can accommodate about 25 campers, and is ideal for a mix of tent and RV camping.

The site is equipped with tables, tent pads and campfire rings with grills. Vault toilets are also available.

Natural Features

Old-growth forests of cedar, fir and hemlock line the wide, gently-flowing Stillaguamish River and tower over trails winding through moss-covered rocks.

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: 75 ft
Largest party: 25 people

Directions

From Seattle, Washington, go north on I-5 to Everett. Take exit 194 onto Highway 2, then at Highway 204 go north toward Lake Stevens. Turn north on Highway 9, then east on Highway 92 to Granite Falls. The campground is approximately 16 miles east of Granite Falls on Highway 7 Scenic Byway.

Stay Limit

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

Reviews

7 reviews

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

KAITLYN F

Loop:Essw

Site:

Reviewed 4 months ago

Great spot for large families or friend groups. the lot it's self probably has many places to pitch a tent. it is just off the mountain loop highway there is stores near by that supply plenty of fire wood and ice. the greatest part about this spot is there is supplied table/benches, there is a out house and it's right on the river. there is also hikes/trails near by that can be used for day activity. the river is beautiful and clear. the only thing I find to be negative about this spot the river is almost nothing but big rocks so we hiked up the river to find a more swimmable spot. the mosquitos and horse flies are no joke so I definitely recommend bringing plenty of bug spray and tiki torches. the bugs biteeee

Lindsay L

Loop:Essw

Site:

Reviewed 4 months ago

Our group returns annually because we appreciate the layout of this group camp. There is a large gathering area with picnic tables and a fire pit while the individual tent sites are tucked back in the trees for privacy. Upon arrival, the garbage cans were empty and the vault toilet was as clean as it could be given its age. The path down to the river is getting a bit overgrown in spots, but is still easy to follow.

Kathryn M

Loop:Essw

Site:

Reviewed 5 months ago

The camp site was gorgeous and had a short trail to the river. We were a bit unlucky to be there during a very rainy weekend, but we had a great time regardless. I would definitely go back.

Lindsay L

Loop:Essw

Site:

Reviewed a year ago

A great location for our annual group camping event. Mostly shady campsites, a large gathering space, and a clear trail to the river. There is space for the whole group to get together, but also enough nooks and crannies to spread out. The campground was in great condition - toilet was clean and trashcan empty when we arrived.

Drew C

Loop:Essw

Site:

Reviewed 3 years ago

Not sure if river access is intentionally discouraged, but the trail behind the firepit area near the bathroom has been blocked by 2 purposely cut down trees, making a difficult scramble necessary . . discouraging most of our group from attempting it. The lower level - straight ahead on the road that I remember from 12+ years ago has been washed out, only the area up near the road is accessible ( about 4 sites on the east side ), one above the outhouse and 2 in the clearing by the outhouse. Outhouse was clean, and mostly empty, and service by local host "Kevin" was fine.

Kriste D

Loop:Essw

Site:

Reviewed 4 years ago

We stayed here as an extended family and it was perfect for our needs. The path to the river could be a bit more accessible, but that was the only negative. There were plenty of tent spots, the kids loved running up and down the hills, and we had a great view of the night sky.

Availability

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

Reserve