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 This order will be effective from April 15, 2025, to April 15, 2027, unless rescinded sooner.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

Gold Basin Campground sits near the banks of the tranquil South Fork of the Stillaguamish River, close to several wilderness areas and hiking trails, offering visitors opportunities to experience both the serene and wild aspects of the Cascade region.

Gold Basin features 39 primitive campsites and vault toilets.

Recreation

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

A large, open field offers opportunities for sports and group activities.

For visitors wanting to learn more about the natural and cultural history of the area, the Gold Basin Mill Pond interpretive trail is located across the street from the campground. This interpretive site includes a short, barrier-free trail that passes by mill relics and ends on a floating viewpoint. Interpretive signs discuss the history of the mill and the wildlife in the area.

Facilities

Gold Basin features 29 primitive campsites and vault toilets.

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.

The surrounding undeveloped wilderness, clean streams and diverse forests support an abundance of wildlife. A multitude of mammals, birds, amphibians and reptiles make their homes here, and the area sustains more rare species like lynx, moose, wolves and wolverine.

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 38 camp sites:

Fire pit: all 38 sites
Pets allowed: all 38 sites
Longest RV: 45 ft
Largest party: 12 people

Directions

From Seattle, Washington, go north on I-5 to Everett. Take exit 194 onto Highway 2, then turn north at Highway 204 toward Lake Stevens. Turn north on Highway 9 then east on Highway 92 to Granite Falls. The campground is located 13.5 miles east of Granite Falls.

Stay Limit

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

Reviews

47 reviews

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 stars

Richard B

Loop:Gold

Site:

Reviewed a month ago

The setting is beautiful and we enjoyed our time there in our self-contained travel trailer. If you need water, power or bathroom facilities, you need to be aware that water is only available if you take your bucket down to the river and haul it back and treat it yourself. There are some pit toilets, but they are an exciting olfactory experience that was way more than usual in the toilet by the river. I loved the amazing trees and mossy growth and will be happy to return here again. I hope that funding can be found to do some basic maintenance and get this place back to its former glory.

MICHAEL G

Loop:Gold

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

Sites are clean, but the bathrooms are disgusting. No light, no ventilation. Your eyes will burn. No water so make sure you bring some. The Host was not so friendly we were told only 1 child allowed on the playing field, and we couldn't fish at the river even though fishing is allowed north of the bridge.

Maridel F

Loop:Gold

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

no water, no electricity, if you can handle that you will love gold basin.

Jeanie K

Loop:Gold

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

Rebecca E

Loop:Gold

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

Nice spot right on the river bank. Would definitely go back. No running water while we were there, and the vault toilets varied in cleanliness. Friendly camp manager as well as other guests.

MICHAEL S

Loop:Gold

Site:

Reviewed 3 months ago

Close to the ice caves and lake 22. Our toddler had a blast playing with toads in the nearby river. Easy to get to from Seattle. Site was clean. Not any mosquitoes. No running water. So, plan accordingly.

Availability

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

Reserve