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 This order will be effective from April 15, 2025, to April 15, 2027, unless rescinded sooner.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

This campground is located along the Middle Fork of the scenic Snoqualmie River in Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.

Beneath a canopy of towering Douglas fir, cedar and Western hemlock, and located near several hiking trails within a short driving distance, this campground is a perfect site for both individual and small group camping excursions.

Recreation

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

Approximately 1,500 miles of trails throughout the area can entice any hiker to get outdoors. From smooth paths meandering through deep quiet forests to challenging ascents up boulder-studded mountains, opportunities abound for every skill level.

The popular Middle Fork Trail is a 3 mile trail offering visitors a glimpse into the area's diversity. The trail begins by crossing the Middle Fork of the Snoqualmie River via the Gateway Bridge, then turns upstream and meanders between the river and overhanging cliffs, offering sweeping views of nearby peaks. After climbing away from the river and passing under Stegosaurus Butte, a granite ridge towering over the valley at over 1,000 feet, the trail follows an old logging railroad grade used by pioneers and finally descends back to river level.

The Middle Fork Snoqualmie Trail is also used by bicycles and horseback riders. Mountain bikes are allowed on the trail on odd- numbered days of the week.

A Recreation Pass is required for each vehicle parked at the trailhead.

Facilities

Middle Fork Campground offers 39 standard sites, including two group sites. Picnic tables and food storage lockers are also available.

Natural Features

Hemmed in by several designated wilderness areas, Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest showcases rugged peaks, sparkling alpine lakes and old-growth forests.

On a clear day visitors will see Mt. Baker, the most prominent feature of the Mt. Baker Wilderness Area. Rising to an elevation of 10,781 feet, the active volcano from which the forest takes its name 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 mountain goats, coyotes, pine marten and a variety of migratory birds and native fish.

Contact Info

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

Nearby Attractions

The Verlot Public Service Center, near the South Fork Stillaguamish River, was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps from 1933 to 1942. Verlot`s handsome buildings reflect the architectural style and fine craftsmanship of that era and are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

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.

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 35 camp sites:

Fire pit: all 35 sites
Pets allowed: all 35 sites
ADA accessible: 30 of 35 sites
Group sites: 1 of 35 sites
Longest RV: 46 ft
Largest party: 25 people
Equipment: RV, Tent, Trailer

Directions

From Interstate 5 north going toward Seattle, take Interstate 90 east toward North Bend. Take exit 34 and turn north on 468th Ave. Turn right onto SE Middle Fork Road/Forest Service Road 56. Continue about 12 miles to the campground, located about 1/2 a mile past the Middle Fork Trailhead.

Stay Limit

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

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