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 This order will be effective from April 15, 2025, to April 15, 2027, unless rescinded sooner.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

Shannon Creek Campground is nestled along the western shore of Baker Lake in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest on the west side of the Cascades. The area is one of the most spectacular in the country, showcasing glacier-covered peaks, broad mountain meadows and old-growth forests.

Recreation

The surrounding area is a prime location for hiking, climbing, boating, fishing, picnicking and horseback riding in summer and early fall, and snowmobiling in the winter months. Baker Lake is a popular destination for boating, water skiing, canoeing, fishing and swimming. Anglers cast for a number of fish species. The nearby Baker Lake and Baker River Trails are family friendly hikes that wind through majestic old growth Douglas Fir and western red cedar trees. The Baker Lake trail contours above the eastern shoreline of Baker Lake. The Baker River Trail leads to North Cascades National Park.

Facilities

Shannon Creek Campground offers single and double-family sites for both tent and RV camping. Picnic tables, campfire rings, vault toilets and drinking water are provided. No electrical hookups are available.

Natural Features

Rugged peaks, scenic rivers and abundant wildlife define the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest and surrounding designated wilderness areas. On a clear day visitors can see Mt. Baker, which rises to an elevation of 10,781 feet. The active volcano is perpetually snow-capped. 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 ranges from mountain goats in the higher elevations to pine marten and porcupine on the forest floor. Migratory birds and native fish find ample habitat in the varied ecosystems as well.

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.

Contact Info

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

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 18 camp sites:

Fire pit: all 18 sites
Picnic table: all 18 sites
Pets allowed: all 18 sites
Longest RV: 70 ft
Largest party: 12 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 23.3 miles to the sign for Shannon Creek Campground on the right.

Stay Limit

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

Reviews

115 reviews

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

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1 stars

Thomas L

Loop:Shannon

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

This camp site is the furthest up on Baker lake, but is quiet and away from most. To see the mountain does require almost going across the lake, but nice view. While most sites are on a loop a bit away from the water, I got one pretty close for taking out an inflatable boat.

Warren H

Loop:Shannon

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

Very good.

Leah J

Loop:Shannon

Site:

Reviewed 3 months ago

Good little spot. One vault toilet. One well water pump.

Julie J

Loop:Shannon

Site:

Reviewed 3 months ago

We have been coming here to over 30 years and always have a good experience. My only issue is speed boats creating wakes. The beach area is perfect for young children and small flotation devices, unless fast boats come close. A teen kayaker just learning to maneuver actually capsized when a speed boat caused a large wake. Luckily we were close to shore within arms reach and it was a good lesson. There is never a problem with the fishermen and their boats. Always respectful of the swimmers.

Rueben G

Loop:Shannon

Site:

Reviewed 3 months ago

Great camping spots. Just watch out for the dips in the road if you happen to be towing a travel trailer

OTTO L

Loop:Shannon

Site:

Reviewed 3 months ago

No comment...except for exceptional Host.

Availability

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