Mount Baker National Recreation Area

Overview

The Mt. Baker National Recreation Area (NRA) was created in conjunction with the 1984 Washington Wilderness Act to accommodate and preserve the winter snowmobile use of the Mt. Baker area in and around Schriebers meadow. In order to preserve this use management of the area focuses on providing snowmobile and cross-country skiing opportunities during the winter, and non-motorized recreational uses during the summer season. The Mt. Baker National Recreation Area differs from the adjacent Mt. Baker Wilderness area by allowing the use of snowmobiles when snow levels are sufficient (greater than 2 feet at Schriebers Meadow Trailhead).

During the winter, snowmobile access is provided on Road #13 to Schriebers Meadow, into upper Rocky and upper Sulphur Creek, the upper Railroad Grade, Metcalfe Moraine, and lower Easton Glacier. The Forest works with the Washington State Sno-Park Program and various user groups to manage winter use in this area.

During the summer months the area is used for hiking and climbing.

Trails Accessed from this trailhead are:
Park Butte Trail #603
Scott Paul Trail #603.1
Railroad Grade Trail #603.2 (Access for Easton Glacier route to Mt. Baker)
Bell Pass Trail #603.3
Elbow Lake Trail #697
Ridley Creek Trail #696 (Not currently maintained)

Getter There

From State Route 20 go east for 16 miles to milepost 82. Turn left (north) on the Baker Lake Highway (Forest Service Road #11). At 12 miles, turn left on Forest Service Road #12. Travel 3.6 miles to the junction of Forest Service Road #13. Stay to right and follow Road #13 for 5.3 miles. The trailhead is located at the end of Road #13.

Camping

Overnight campsites are available at the trailhead for hikers and stock. A toilet, a loading ramp and hitching rails are located at the parking area. Within the NRA there are designated camp sites at:

Cathedral Camp
High Camp
Railroad Camp
Mazama Park Horse Camp

Images

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