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 This order will be effective from April 15, 2025, to April 15, 2027, unless rescinded sooner.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

Park Creek Campground sits along the banks of Park Creek in the stunning Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. The unique setting offers many recreational activities and scenic views. Baker Lake is close by, and many hiking trails and climbing routes are within a short driving distance.

Recreation

In addition to being a great basecamp for hiking, boating and fishing in summer and early fall, Park Creek can be a starting point for snowshoeing in the winter months. Trails in 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. Shadow of the Sentinels Trail, a barrier-free interpretive trail winding through dense forest growth, is a short drive away. Huge Douglas fir and cedar trees tower above a forest floor of ferns, moss and berry bushes, and interpretive signs along the route explain the dynamics of this 500-year-old ancient forest. The trail is constructed of asphalt and boardwalks with grades no greater than 8 percent. The nearby Baker Lake Trail is an easy family hike that begins in a majestic stand of Douglas fir. In 1843, a small eruption of Mt. Baker caused a forest fire, and visitors can still see the burned snags of virgin cedar trees that once dominated the area. The trail contours above the eastern shoreline of Baker Lake.

Facilities

Park Creek campground offers standard sites, accommodating both tent and RV camping. The campground is equipped with tables, vault toilets and campfire rings with grills.

Natural Features

The Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest showcases rugged peaks, sparkling alpine lakes and old-growth forests, providing visitors with unique and surprising landscapes. Mt. Baker, the most prominent feature of the Mt. Baker Wilderness, dominates the landscape on a clear day. Rising to an elevation of 10,781 feet, the active volcano is perpetually snow-capped and mantled with an extensive network of creeping glaciers. Mt. Baker's summit, Grant Peak, is a 1,300-foot-deep mound of ice, which hides a massive volcanic crater. Wildlife in the area includes mountain goats traversing the higher elevations to squirrels and black bears in the forests. Migratory birds and native fish find ample habitat in the surrounding ecosystems.

Contact Info

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

Nearby Attractions

Hike in the mountains above the lake in the Mt. Baker National Recreation Area or Mt. Baker Wilderness, or take some time to visit North Cascades National Park. This unique park is like no other place on earth. It features a deep blue lake surrounded by sheer, 2,000' cliffs, two picturesque islands and a violent volcanic past. Hiking trails, a visitor center and educational programs are available.

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 12 camp sites:

Fire pit: 8 of 12 sites
Pets allowed: all 12 sites
Longest RV: 58 ft
Largest party: 6 people

Directions

From Seattle, go north on I-5 to Burlington. Take Exit 230 on State Highway 20. Go past the Mt. Baker Ranger District Office in Sedro-Woolley and follow State Route 20 east for 16 miles to milepost 82. Turn left (north) on the Baker Lake Highway (Forest Service Road 11). Continue for approximately 18 miles to the sign for Park Creek Campground Road (Forest Service road 1144). Turn left and travel less than 1/4 mile to access the campground.

Stay Limit

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

Reviews

51 reviews

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 stars

Cheryl B

Loop:Park

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

This campground is very serene and quiet, but for the "water music" from Park Creek. It is hard to believe it is just across the road from bustling, crowded Swift Creek Campground. Park Creek Campground has widely-spaced campsites with privacy, was very clean, and the vault toilets were less stinky than most. We loved staying there two nights.

Ann N

Loop:Park

Site:

Reviewed 3 months ago

The Pit toilets were in excellent condition, cleaned daily, no odors. Many other campgrounds are not as well cared for. Thank you Sky, you do an excellent job.

jacob m

Loop:Park

Site:

Reviewed 3 months ago

Great campsite. No amazing lake views, but in return you get a lot more privacy and scenic creekside spots. Very basic amenities, so it definitely comes across as overpriced, but then again you are paying to be in a popular area at the height of camping season.

kevin m

Loop:Park

Site:

Reviewed 3 months ago

Need to level camping areas for trailers and campers

Ivana B

Loop:Park

Site:

Reviewed 4 months ago

A quiet campground with stunning views of Mt. Baker. There is no water available at this campground, but potable water is available about a 10-minute walk away at the campground across the road.

Kathleen B

Loop:Park

Site:

Reviewed 5 months ago

Beautiful, private spot. Nice large campsite next to the river.

Availability

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

Reserve