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 This order will be effective from April 15, 2025, to April 15, 2027, unless rescinded sooner.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

Situated on the banks of the White River in Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Dalles Campground offers visitors stunning scenery and access to a multitude of recreational activities within the Cascade region.

Scattered beneath a towering canopy of diverse forest, the sites in this campground are widely-spaced and many are at the water's edge.

Recreation

Hiking and fishing top the list of recreational activities in the area.

For visitors wanting a glimpse at the wonders of the area, hikes for all levels and abilities abound. For a shorter hike, the John Muir Nature Trail is a half-mile, barrier-free nature trail that begins at the historic picnic shelter near the entrance of the campground.

Marking the beginning of the Dalles River View trail at the west end of the campground loop is the "Big Tree," a 700 year-old Douglas fir that measures 9.5 feet in diameter.

Anglers will enjoy fly fishing on the White River and its tributaries, as it sustains several species of salmon and trout.

Facilities

Dalles campground offers standard sites and is able to accommodate tents or RVs.

Picnic tables and campfire rings with grills are available at each site, and vault toilets and drinking water are accessible throughout the campground.

A covered historic picnic shelter, constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps, may be reserved, otherwise it is available on a first-come first-serve basis.

Natural Features

Hemmed in by several designated wilderness areas, the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest showcases rugged peaks, sparkling alpine lakes and old-growth forests, providing visitors with a variety of scenic landscapes.

Mt. Rainer, the highest mountain in Washington and the Cascades range, dominates the landscape on a clear day. Rising to an elevation of 14,411 feet, the stratovolcano is perpetually snow-capped, boasting a total of 36-square miles of snowfields and glaciers. Two volcanic craters top the summit of this magnificent peak.

Flowing water from ice caves at the base of Emmons Glacier in Mt. Rainer National Park is the source of the White River, which enters the forest and joins up with Huckleberry Creek just below the Dalles Campground.

Wildlife in the area include mountain goats, coyotes, pine marten and a variety of migratory birds and native fish.

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.

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 39 camp sites:

Fire pit: all 39 sites
Picnic table: all 39 sites
Pets allowed: all 39 sites
Longest RV: 45 ft
Largest party: 12 people
Equipment: RV, Tent, Trailer

Directions

From Enumclaw, Washington, go southeast on Highway 410 towards Mt. Rainier park for approximately 26 miles to campground.

Stay Limit

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

Reviews

198 reviews

5 stars

140

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 stars

Laurie B

Loop:River Side

Site:

Reviewed 25 days ago

We were in site 29 in the Riverside loop. What a beautiful campground! We were humbled being surrounded by such stately old trees. Made us sad to learn the much advertised Big Fir (still with a sign in camp) had in fact been taken down 11 years ago. Still an impressive sight to see how massive it was. We REALLY enjoyed the John Muir trail, it was like being in another world. Our trees in Michigan don't seem nearly as huge anymore ;-) At first we were disappointed we couldn't camp inside Mt. Rainier. Now we know how lucky we were to be at the Dalles.

Matthew Z

Loop:River Side

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

Campsite was clean, campground was clean. Also quiet - folks were respectful (though this was mid-week, and the campground was only about 25% full). Easy to book, nice site along the river. Close to Sunrise and Chinook Pass, but warmer since it's lower.

Jim R

Loop:River Side

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

It turned out I could not use the reservation. I attempted to cancel my reservation via the web site so the space would be available to others. Not clear whether my attempt to cancel was successful. I do not recall whether there was any response to my attempt .

Louise L

Loop:River Side

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

I normally camp at White River, but WR wasn't available this year because of fires. Dalles turned out to be a good substitute. I had a site near the river, so I could go sit there when I wanted. However, I have to say that I missed the views of Mt. Rainier. The site was large and the campground was quiet. The pit toilets were OK... And water was close by.

Jeff S

Loop:River Side

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

Our family absolutely loved our camping trip to the Dalles Campground this year. The host is always hospitable and available to assist as needed. Our site comfortably fit our family of four with a tent and covered cooking area. Our 9 and 7 year old kids love playing down by the river. We enjoyed a substantial hike to Skookum falls from the campsite. Nearby you can find countless recreational activities at Crystal Mountain including hiking, disc golf, rock climbing, scenic gondola ride and fantastic dining. We particularly love the Snorting Elk. It's both family and dog friendly with a great menu that is appropriately priced. If you are lacking ideas for outings, the visitor center near Silver Springs Campground offers great tips and advice for campers.

becca p

Loop:River Side

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

Advertised in website as river side. Not near the river. Campground had too many people and cars per site-Over stated limits- so was very noisy and unclean.

Availability

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

Reserve