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 This order will be effective from April 15, 2025, to April 15, 2027, unless rescinded sooner.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

Tinkham Campground is located along the South Fork Snoqualmie River in Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. It offers some of the most stunning scenery in Washington's North Cascades, as well as easy access to an abundance of recreational activities.

Recreation

The surrounding area is a prime location for hiking, fishing, picnicking and horseback riding in summer and early fall. In winter, visitors can take advantage of skiing and snowshoeing opportunities.

A handful of hiking trails lie within a short driving distance, making Tinkham an ideal setting for both individual and family camping excursions. The 0.5-mile Tinkham Discovery Trail is an easy, family-friendly nature path. It weaves through fallen, moss-covered trees to a small pond. Children love investigating the insects, wildflowers and fungi along the trail.

Facilities

Tinkham Campground offers single-family sites, a few of which are accessible. Picnic tables, food storage lockers, and campfire rings with grills are provided, as are vault toilets and drinking water. No electrical hookups are available.

Natural Features

The campground sits alongside the river, in a towering canopy of Douglas fir, cedar and western hemlock, providing abundant shade.

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 coyotes and pine martens in the forests. Migratory birds and native fish find ample habitat in the varied ecosystems as well.

Contact Info

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

Nearby Attractions

Mount Rainier National Park is about an hour away. This beautiful park offers fantastic glimpses of glaciers, subalpine ecology and volcanic landscapes. Hiking and scenic driving are the area's most popular activities.

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 45 camp sites:

Fire pit: all 45 sites
Pets allowed: all 45 sites
ADA accessible: 2 of 45 sites
Longest RV: 46 ft
Largest party: 6 people
Equipment: RV, Tent, Trailer

Directions

From Seattle, Washington, go east on I-90 to Exit 42. Turn south and go approximately 1 mile to the campground.

Stay Limit

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

Reviews

136 reviews

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 stars

Evans T

Loop:Tink

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

We’ve stayed here 3 times this year. My wife and I absolutely loved the the camphost.

Kimberly G

Loop:Tink

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

I don’t often leave reviews but I have to agree with other reviewers that the road noise is SO bad. It’s difficult to even have a conversation with the person right next to you. It is beautiful and the river is nice, but the constant drone of the freeway is too much…bring earplugs because the only relief is from around 3-4 AM.

Dominique K

Loop:Tink

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

The campground is easily accessible from the I90 when you take turnoff 42. Campsites are clean and the area is lush with trees, ferns and moss. Absolutely stunning. Keep in mind it is close to the highway, but when you imagine the sounds to be that of rushing water and not vehicles, it is easier to ignore. The background noise actually helps keep you conversations etc. private and you don't hear the other campers all that well! Privacy upgrade! Also, the hosts were lovely to deal with and helpful. The fairies live here. I'll come back to find them!

Laura B

Loop:Tink

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

Tinkham Campground is just 10 minutes from North Bend and dogs are allowed. The surroundings are stunning and sites are separated well from each other by trees. I camped in site 30, which is one of the best. It is set back from the road, has 2 parking spots, 2 mostly level spots for 4- or 6-person tents, a bear box for food, fire ring, and a picnic table. Some sites are very small, meant for one small tent only. There is a passable bathroom and an awful one. The water pump at the entrance cannot be used for drinking, hand washing, or dish washing, so bring your own water. There is a wonderful trail next to site 8 that is easy enough for the active elderly and small kids. Some sites have river access. Do keep in mind you'll hear the freeway at all times, but it's worth it.

Jennifer S

Loop:Tink

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

Camp was clean and the host was absolutely amazing and the best!

Phil W

Loop:Tink

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

Very nice, clean campground. Staff were extremely friendly and helpful. But 3 shower stalls for a campground this large is not close to adequate.

Availability

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