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 This order will be effective from April 15, 2025, to April 15, 2027, unless rescinded sooner.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

Swift Creek Campground is tucked into a mixed-conifer forest at the edge of Baker Lake in Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.

Recreation

In addition to being a prime location for hiking, boating, fishing, picnicking, and horseback riding in summer and early fall, Swift Creek offers opportunities for snowshoeing in the winter months. With a small beach on-site and access to Baker Lake, visitors will have plenty of opportunities to fish, kayak, canoe and swim. The nearby Baker Lake Trail is a family friendly 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

Swift Creek offers campsites that accommodate either tents or RVs. There are two group sites that are reservable as well.

Drinking water and vault toilets are available. The campground also has a day-use area at the lake's edge, equipped with picnic tables and grills.

There is a boat ramp and a marina on site.

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 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 42 camp sites:

Fire pit: all 42 sites
Picnic table: 25 of 42 sites
Pets allowed: 41 of 42 sites
Group sites: 2 of 42 sites
Longest RV: 75 ft
Largest party: 30 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 20 miles to the sign for Swift Creek Campground Road (Forest Service road 1142). Turn right and travel about 1/3 mile to the campground at the end of the road.

Stay Limit

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

Reviews

217 reviews

5 stars

134

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 stars

Ava B

Loop:Swift Creek

Site:

Reviewed a month ago

This was my first time camping at this campground, and I loved it! The campsite had amble space for our tent, clean bathrooms, and a friendly host. The location was easy to find and access. I absolutely LOVED the water access for boats and paddle boarding. We had great views of Mt. Baker once we were on the water. Would totally come back!

Deborah S

Loop:Swift Creek

Site:

Reviewed a month ago

My husband and I camped at Swift Creek Campground mid September. The weather was ideal and being by the lake was magical. Our camp site was cozy and private. The bathrooms were clean and well supplied with toilet paper. The camp hosts were friendly and informative. We are looking forward to going again next year.

James I

Loop:Swift Creek

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

Great lake access and view if Mt Baker.

Richard C

Loop:Swift Creek

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

Wow just wow. This lake is spectacular! So gorgeous. Will Def put on our list of places to revisit. We also drove through northern cascade national park which was beautiful as well!

Thanh "Dieu" T

Loop:Swift Creek

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

Nice campground by the lake

Christopher M

Loop:Swift Creek

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

Very clean and will manage Facility. The beach swim area was very nice as well as the group areas. Great base camp to launch off off-road activities as well as hiking. Remember to bring either cash or a check as there is no digital payment service services available at this site.

Availability

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

Reserve