100 things to do in Cascade's national forests

| THE BELLINGHAM HERALD FILE

• BEFORE YOU GO
  
  Check the weather and trail conditions before you head out, especially since many higher-elevation trails remain under snow.
  
  Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
  Web: Go to www.fs.fed.us/r6/mbs and click on "Current Conditions" on the right.
  Phone: For trails accessed from the Mount Baker Highway, call the Glacier Public Service Center at 599-2714. Otherwise call (360) 856-5700 ext. 515.
  
  National Weather Service
  Web: Go to www.weather.gov and click on Washington state on the map. Check mountain forecasts by clicking on the menu bar on the left.
  
• MOUNT BAKER-SNOQUALMIE
  
  Created: In 1908 when the Washington Forest Reserve was divided into two forests: Washington National Forest to the north and Snoqualmie National Forest to the south. In 1924, the Washington National Forest was renamed Mount Baker National Forest.
  In 1933, the Mineral, White River, Naches and Tieton ranger districts were transferred from the Rainier National Forest to the Snoqualmie National Forest and the Rainier forest was dissolved. The Mount Baker and Snoqualmie national forests merged in 1973.
  Size: 1,724,229 acres, including 727,104 acres in nine wilderness areas.
  Trails: 1,505 miles, including 585 miles in wilderness areas.
  Campgrounds: 45 fee, free and group areas.
  Picnic sites: 24.
  Rental lodging: One cabin, one lookout.
  Scenic byways: Mather Memorial Highway, 75 miles; Mount Baker Scenic Byway, 24 miles; Mountain Loop Highway, 50 miles.
  Ski areas managed: 7.
  Cross-country ski trails: 119 miles.
  Snowmobile trails: 168 miles.
  Of note: 62 percent of Washingtonians, an estimated 3.6 million people, live within a 70-mile drive of the forest.
  Information: (425) 783-6000 or (800) 627-0062, www.fs.fed.us/r6/mbs.
  Source: Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
  
  

All three forests are celebrating their centennial anniversaries this summer. (Mount Baker-Snoqualmie turned 100 on June 18.) To join the party, we came up with a list of 100 things to do on these forests, from north to south, for all four seasons.

MOUNT BAKER-SNOQUALMIE NATIONAL FOREST

1. Winchester Mountain Lookout. Once you climb 1,300 feet in two miles, you'll be rewarded with stunning views of Mount Baker, Mount Shuskan and the North Cascades. Or you can hike any of the other 1,505 miles of trails in the forest. Popular hikes off the Mount Baker Highway (State Route 542) include Lake Ann (No. 600), Hannegan Pass (No. 674), and Yellow Aster Butte (No. 686.1). www.fs.fed.us/r6/mbs.

2. Play on Baker Lake. The lake offers great scenery and some fishing for kokanee and trout. There are seven camps around lake and five boat ramps. www.fs.fed.us/r6/mbs.

3. Take in the views of Mount Baker. At 10,781 feet, the peak dominates the Whatcom County skyline. Take the drive up the Mount Baker Highway — also known as the Mount Baker Scenic Byway — and follow it to its end at Artist Point. You'll get gorgeous views during the drive, starting at the town of Glacier. Once you've parked at Artist Point, head out on several hikes with stunning alpine vistas. www.fs.fed.us/r6/mbs.

4. Spend a night away from it all. Up the Suiattle River valley, the Suiattle Guard Station can be rented. Sleeps four. Due to flood damage to the Suiattle Road, the station is inaccessible right now. (877) 444-6777

5. Mt. Baker Ski Area. The area averages 647 inches of snow a year. In addition, it holds the world record for single-season snowfall at 1,140 inches. The area has eight chairlifts and 1,500 vertical feet. www.mtbaker.us.

6. Wild Sky Wilderness. You can hike into the newest wilderness area in Washington. The 106,577-acre area was created when President Bush signed the legislation on May 8. www.fs.fed.us/r6/mbs.

7. Hike the Devil's Dome Loop Trail. This 41-mile loop east of Ross Lake takes hikers through the Pasayten Wilderness. Part of the loop runs through North Cascades National Park. (360) 873-4500.

8. Evergreen Mountain Lookout. A good rental choice if you prefer mountain views. Located about 10 miles northeast of the Skykomish Ranger Station. Holds four people. (877) 444-6777

9. Hike the Harts Pass area. On the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail, this area is a particular favorite of Bart Smith of Lakewood, who is close to hiking all 16,000 miles of the scenic trail system. www.fs.fed.us/r6/mbs.

10. Drive the Mountain Loop Highway from Darrington to Granite Falls. The 50-mile drive takes visitors through forests and over mountain passes. www.fs.fed.us/r6/mbs.

11. Fish the North and South Fork Skykomish River. Anglers can try their luck for steelhead and salmon, as well as Dolly Varden. "Washington Fishing" by Terry Rudnick, Moon Outdoors

12. Strap on your cross-country skis and hit the trail. The forest has 119 miles of designated cross-country ski trails. There are 19 Sno-Parks in and around the forest. www.fs.fed.us/r6/mbs/recreation.

13. Fish Coal Lake. This lake sits at 3,420 feet. In addition to cutthroat and brook trout, it offers views of the entire Upper South Fork Stillaguamish River basin. www.fs.fed.us/r6/mbs.

14. Fish the North Fork Sauk River. Above the falls, the river offers good fishing for rainbow and cutthroat trout and mountain whitefish. www.fs.fed.us/r6/mbs.

15. Hike Mt. Pilchuck Trail (No. 700). This trail travels along the edge of an old clear-cut and continues on through exposed rocky areas eventually ending at the lookout. Views from here include the San Juan Islands. www.fs.fed.us/r6/mbs.

16. Try Skyline Divide Trail (No. 678). A moderate to steep trail climb that is surrounded by firs and meadow areas. The trail then opens to a large meadow with wondrous views of the north glaciers of Mount Baker. www.fs.fed.us/r6/mbs.

17. Climb American Border Peak. The seldom visited 7,994-foot summit is just .4 miles south of the Canadian border. For those who make the climb, they are rewarded with great views. "Cascade Alpine Guide," The Mountaineers

18. Climb Mount Baker. The summit is at 10,781 feet. Be sure to follow the rules depending on which area you are climbing in, the Mount Baker Wilderness or the Mount Baker National Recreation Area. www.fs.fed.us/r6/mbs. 19. Visit Heather Meadows. Located at Milepost 56 on the Mount Baker Highway. There is a visitor center, trails, picnic area and berry picking. There also are weekend ranger talks. www.fs.fed.us/r6/mbs. 20. Go bald eagle watching. The largest wintering population of bald eagles in Washington gather along the Skagit River. They arrive in late fall, and stay in the area through January feeding on salmon carcasses. www.skagiteagle.org.

21. Park Butte Lookout. The hike to lookout built in 1932 has a 2,100-foot elevation gain on the 3½-mile trail. But the reward is views of Mount Baker and the Twin Sisters range. www.fs.fed.us/r6/mbs.

22. Crystal Mountain. They do more than ski here. The ski area is a good place for hiking and mountain biking in the summer and the Summit House is open for dining June 20-Sept. 14. skicrystal.com

23. Snow Lake. Snow Lake is a relatively easy 8-mile hike, although it's uphill both ways, in the summer from the Alpental Ski Area parking lot. A scramble up Mount Roosevelt yields the best view of the lake. (425) 888-1421

24. Skookum Flats. Mountain bikers consider this trail along the Carbon River to be one of the best trails in Washington. It's also one of the most challenging. (360) 825-6585

25. Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Many consider this to be Washington's most scenic wilderness area. With its easy access from Interstate 90 and Highway 2, it also gets more traffic than other wilderness areas. (425) 888-1421

26. Sun Top Lookout. Hike or bike up the gravel road about 7 miles and 4,000 vertical feet to the lookout and its in-your-face view of Mount Rainier. In the summer the road is sometimes open to drive to the lookout. (360) 825-6585

27. McClellan Butte. This hike is one of several along Interstate 90 used by people getting in shape to climb Mount Rainier. The hike offers a 9-mile roundtrip climb up 3,700 feet. (425) 888-1421

28. Pacific Crest Trail. Few people ever get the chance to hike the entire Pacific Crest Trail from Mexico to Canada. But hiking the 68.4-mile stretch from Snoqualmie Pass to Stevens Pass can be done in a week. (425) 888-1421

29. Franklin Falls. This waterfall on the south fork of the Snoqualmie River drops 70 feet and can be reached easily on foot. (425) 888-1421

30. Denny Creek Campground. Denny Creek is one of the state's most popular campgrounds and for good reason. It's easily reached from Interstate 90 and offers easy access to the forest. (425) 888-1421

31. Kaleetan Lake. The 20-mile hike to Kaleetan Lake is a challenge. You'll climb more than 4,000 feet along the way. If that's too far, four other lakes along the way offer good places to stop for lunch and shorten the trip. (425) 888-1421

32. Volunteer. All of the national forests are anxious to get volunteer help to help maintain their trails. The Washington Trails Association organizes work parties in each forest. www.wta.org.

33. Snoqualmie River. The Snoqualmie River has more to offer than its famous falls. It's also a good place to raft or fish. www.fs.fed.us/r6/mbs.

34. Echo Lake. This 14-mile round trip hike through old-growth forest follows the Greenwater River to Greenwater Lake then Echo Lake with only 1,600 feet of elevation gain. (360) 825-6585

35. Summit Lake. Just outside Mount Rainier National Park, this 5-mile round trip hike rewards you with a gorgeous view of the mountain. Take plenty of mosquito repellent. (360) 825-6585

36. Norse Peak Wilderness. From the Crystal Mountain parking lot you can find all kinds of adventure in this rugged 51,000-acre wilderness. The trails are steep. According to the forest Web site, some visitors pan for gold at the head of the heads of the Morse and Crow creeks. (360) 825-6585

WENATCHEE NATIONAL FOREST

37. Sourdough Gap. The 7-mile roundtrip hike to the gap above Sheep Lake on the Pacific Crest Trails is an easy way to get some dynamic views. (509) 653-1400

38. Kachess Lake. This large lake just north of I-90 offers hiking and swimming opportunities along with Lake Kachess campground. (509) 852-1100

39. American River rentals. The forest has two popular cabins available along the river. A retired guard station with room for eight goes for $40 per night. And a former ski lodge with room for 60 goes for $100 per night. Recreation.gov.

40. Teanaway Guard Station. Wenatchee National Forest bills this 58-year-old cabin as a romantic getaway. The 200-square-foot cabin has room for two and is $40 per night. Recreation.gov.

41. Try your luck for trout and mountain whitefish in the North and South Forks Tieton River. The state record bull trout, 22 pounds and 8 ounces, came out of the Tieton. Naches Ranger District, (509) 664-9200

42. Naches River whitewater. The Naches River offers Class II and III rapids for kayakers and rafters. "Paddling Washington" published by Mountaineers Books recommends the section from Sawmill Flat to Tieton River.

43. Fish Dog Lake, just east of White Pass on U.S. 12. You can fish for rainbow and brook trout in this alpine setting right off the road. Fishing late in the season might be best, to avoid crowds and bugs. Naches Ranger District, (509) 664-9200

44. Salmon la Sac. This popular campground on the Cle Elum River offers plenty of hiking and fishing nearby in the Cle Elum Lake. The campground is expected to open July 3. (509) 649-3744

45. Mather Memorial Parkway. The forest lists this drive from Mount Rainier National Park to Cliffdell as one of its most scenic drives. The parkway, Highway 410, gives motorists up-close views of the American and Naches river basins. www.fs.fed.us/r6/mbs.

46. The Triple Bi-pass. This 114.8-mile training route on Highways 12 and 410 is used by members of the Tacoma Wheelmen Bicycle Club who like to simulate a stage of the Tour de France. The ride climbs three mountain passes and should only be attempted by fit, experienced cyclists. Visit blogs.thenewstribune.com/adventure for a cue sheet.

47. Boulder Cave. The cave is a perfect destination for kids and bats. The bats get the cave Nov. 1-April 1, but it's open to the public the rest of the year when the bats are gone. It's a 1.5-mile round trip hike. (509) 653-1400

48. The Enchantments. This chain of high mountain lakes are an iconic backpacking trip. The 17.8-mile trail climbs 6,500 feet and much of it is a scramble over rugged terrain. (509) 548-6977

49. Fish Bumping Lake. You can try for kokanee, plus rainbow and cutthroat trout in the lake, 11 miles from Highway 410 on Bumping Lake Road. Naches Ranger District, (509) 664-9200

50. Hike Rainy Pass. You can pick up the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail where it crosses Highway 20 at 4,860 feet. A mile south of the pass in Rainy Lake, an easy hike for families.

GIFFORD PINCHOT NATIONAL FOREST

51. Explore Layser Cave. This small cave was discovered 26 years ago by ranger Tim Layser. When scientists found 7,000-year-old stone tools and animal bones it proved to be a significant discovery. (360) 497-1100

52. Climb Mount St. Helens. It takes six to 12 hours for a round trip hike to the crater rim. While it's not the most challenging climb, only 100 permits are sold each day. mshinstitute.org.

53. Hit the mountain bike trails. Gifford Pinchot National Park has some of Washington's best mountain biking. Check out the Plains of Abraham, Lewis River Trail and the Siouxon Trail. www.fs.fed.us/r6/gpnf.

54. Visit a Sno-Park. The Gifford Pinchot is the home of many Sno-Parks, which offer snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and even snomobiling in some spots. www.parks.wa.gov/winter

55. Walk Trail of Two Forests. This quarter-mile trail is a nice side trip if you visit Ape Cave. The boardwalk winds through a forest encased in lava 1,900 years ago. (360) 449-7800

56. Walk the Blue Lake Ridge Trail. Blue Lake Ridge Trail is open to most users, but is best known as a place to ride off-road motorcycles and ATVs. The 12-mile trail accesses Blue and Mouse lakes. (360) 497-1100

57. Camp at Peterson Prairie Guard Station. This former guard station is available for rent. It goes for $50 per night and sleeps six people. Two nights are required on weekends. Recreation.gov or (877) 444-6777

58. Rent Mineral Springs Guard Station. Mineral Springs has room for nine people and is $65 per night. Two nights are required on weekends. Recreation.gov or (877) 444-6777

59. Climb Mount Adams. Mount Adams is usually only a notch or two below Mount Rainier on local mountaineers "must climb" list. The 12,276-foot-high summit is the third highest peak in the Northwest behind Rainier (14,411) and Idaho's Borah Peak (12,662 feet). 509-395-3400

60. Hike the Loowit Trail. Loowit Trail is a marathon-length Mount St. Helens experience. The 27-mile trail loops around the mountain through forests, the blast zone and passes in front of the mouth of the crater. (360) 449-7800

61. Hike the steep Tatoosh Ridge. Looking for a steep hike? Tatoosh Ridge is one of the more challenging hikes in the forest. You're rewarded for your effort on the 9-mile trail with views of Rainier and Adams. (360) 497-1100

62. Climb High Rock Lookout. The 1.6-mile hike up to High Rock Lookout is a mild climb. On a nice day the fire lookout has an in-your-face view of Mount Rainier. (360) 497-1100

63. Ride at Kalama Horse Camp. This camp was dedicated 15 years ago. One of 10 in the forest, it has corrals for horses and access to several riding trails. Lewisriver.com

64. Hike Bear Creek Mountain Trail. Charles Gurche featured this 5.6-mile hike in his 2004 book "Washington's Best Wildflower Hikes." From July through September this trail is lined with broadleaf lupine, sitka valerian and mountain arnica, Gurche writes. (509) 395-3400

65. Ride the Cowlitz Horse Trail. A popular area for horsemen near Soda Springs Campground, where riders can find a ramp, hitching rails and room to park their horse trailers. (360) 497-1100

66. Hike Jug Lake. The steep 3.5-mile trail comes with sound effects. Supposedly, on windy days when the gusts cross the lake it makes a sound similar to when you blow across the mouth of a jug. (360) 497-1100

67. Hunt for Bigfoot. The southern forest is considered prime Sasquatch country, if you believe in such things. But be warned, killing Bigfoot in Skamania County is illegal.

68. Marvel at Curly and Miller creeks falls. A flat and easy one-tenth-mile stroll from Forest Road 9039 gives a view of the falls on both Curly and Miller creeks. (360) 891-5000

69. Visit Angel Falls. According to the description on the forest Web site, Angel Falls Loop Trail travels under the falls. The trail is less than a mile. (360) 497-1100

70. Raft the Cispus River. Alpine River Runners offers occasional day and overnight trips on the Cispus. The river offers Class III and IV rapids and views of Tower Rock and Tongue Mountain. (800) 723-8386

71. Volunteer. From patrolling climbing routes to weeklong trail maintenance work parties, there are numerous opportunities to volunteer in the forest. www.fs.fed.us/r6/gpnf/volunteering.

72. Go on a scenic drive. Drive along Skate Creek Road on a sunny fall afternoon and take in the sights. If you go on Labor Day weekend, you can visit the Packwood Flea Market, Sept. 5-8. If you can't find a bargain, you can always munch on an elephant ear.

73. Hike the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail. You can head north or south from the trail junction with U.S. 12 at White Pass. The trail runs from the northern boundary to the southern boundary of the forest.

74. Fish Skate Creek. The small creek northwest of Packwood is one of the few streams in the area stocked with rainbow trout by the state. There are more than 20 species of fish in the 1,360 miles of streams and over 100 lakes in the forest.

75. Fish Packwood Lake. Fish for rainbow trout, some topping 12 inches, in Packwood Lake. Take FS Road 1260 from Packwood to Trail No. 78. (360) 497-1100.

76. Go tubing or sledding. Try the snowplay area at Oldman Pass. There also are 31 miles of ski and snowshoe trails. www.fs.fed.us/r6/gpnf.

77. Go snowmobiling. There is a large area with groomed snowmobile trails on the east side of the forest. It can be accessed from five Sno-Parks, including Johnson Creek and Orr Creek.

78. Snowmobile Mount St. Helens. Machines are allowed on the southeast side of the volcano for open riding. You can access the area via the Marble Mountain Sno-Park.

79. Hike the Glacier View Wilderness. The area is located along the western edge of Mount Rainier National Park and offers great views of the mountain.

80. Cast for trout in Walput Lake. Access is easy, thanks to a gravel road running to the lake. You can catch fish from shore, another attraction of this alpine lake. (360) 497-1100

81. Fish Olallie, Council, Takhlakh, Horseshoe and Chain of Lakes. These popular waters — holding rainbow, brown and brook trout — are located north of Mount Adams, but have easy road access. Check on road conditions before leaving home. (360) 497-1100

82. Fish Wind River. The upper reaches of the Wind River are in the forest and offers the chance for spring chinook and summer-run steelhead. The Wind River Road out of Carson, Skamania County, provides good access. (360) 696-6211

83. Hunt deer and elk in season. The animals are hunted during parts of September, October November and December, but you need a valid hunting license and tag to stalk game. For more information, check out the Fish and Wildlife hunting regulation booklet or visit wdfw.wa.gov

84. Camp in the wild. Find yourself a quiet spot to camp, all by yourself. Dispersed camping outside of campgrounds is allowed throughout much of the forest. www.fs.fed.us/r6/gpnf/recreation/campgrounds.

85. Camp at Moss Creek Campground. Moss Creek Campground is the southern most camp in the forest. It is located just inside the forest boundary north of Willard, Skamania County. It makes a nice base camp for follks visiting the Columbia Gorge. (509) 395-3400

86. Set up camp at Big Creek Campground. This is the closest forest campground to Tacoma. It's a small campground off Skate Creek Road that would be an option for those visiting Mount Rainier National Park. (360) 497-1100

87. Get a different view of Mount St. Helens. The Windy Ridge Viewpoint is located east of the volcano on Forest Road 99. You can join the 25-minute talk by a forest interpreter at the outdoor amphitheater.

88. Camp at Eco Park. Visit Eco Park Resort on Highway 504, just past mile marker 24. The resort, which offers cabins, hiking trails, helicopter tours, dinners and other fun things, is the closest accommodations to the Mount St. Helens crater. www.ecoparkresort.com, (877) 255-1980.

89. Hunt mushrooms. The north end of the forest is a good place to start, especially around La Wis Wis Campground east of Packwood. People 18 and older must have a free permit that allow you to pick up to three gallons per day.

90. Get out in the wild. The forest offers more than 180,000 acres of wilderness, allowing you to get away from it all. You must obtain a wilderness permit at trailheads or district ranger offices before you enter a wilderness.

91. Take it easy on Hummocks Loop Trail. This trail, at the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, is an easy 2.3-mile loop that takes visitors past the giant hummocks — huge chunks of Mount St. Helens that washed downhill during the 1980 eruption and mudflow. Ponds host lots of tadpoles and frogs, elk are always around, and it's a great way to see the continued rebirth of the landscape.

92. Flyfish Coldwater Lake. Cast or troll a fly for big, wild rainbow and cutthroat trout. Shore fishing is not allowed, so you'll need a float tube or small boat to cast on one of the state's best wild-trout lakes.

93. Hike to Packwood Lake. Take a nice hike through the stunning Goat Rocks Wilderness — and arrive at beautiful Packwood Lake at the end of about five miles of family friendly travel through old-growth forest with views of the Goat Rocks. There is only 600 feet of elevation gain.

94. Pick huckleberries. Take a hike into the high country for the sweetest, most-coveted fruit in the Northwest. You're allowed three gallons a year, but just try to fill a pint jar without stuffing most of the sweet fruit into your mouth. Prime huckleberry season is mid-August through mid-September. Large berry patches are found near Packwood, Randle and Carson. www.fs.fed.us/r6/gpnf/recreation/huckleberries.

95. Fishing Cispus Rriver. Try fishing for brook trout in the Cispus River, a tributary of the Cowlitz River. Just remember to release any cutthroat trout you catch. There is easy access south of Randle. Fish Country can offer information: 360-985-2090.

96. Learn about nature rebirth. Learn about how an erupting Mount St. Helens created Coldwater Lake back in 1980. The short, half-mile Birth of a Lake Trail at the Coldwater Lake parking area. Signs will explain how life returned to the lake after the eruption. Part of the trail is a boardwalk that goes along the shore of the lake.

97. Take in the sights near St. Helens. Ambitious day hikers with a yearning to see great views of Mount St. Helens, Coldwater Lake and twisted logging equipment should try the 10.8-mile Coldwater Loop. Hikers must stay on the trail.

98. Gaze at the volcano crater. Get as close as you can to the gaping, steaming crater of Mount St. Helens with a visit to the Johnston Ridge Observatory, which is only 5.5 miles from the crater.

99. Hike Meta Lake. Take a short .6-mile hike to Meta Lake. The hike starts at the twisted hulk of a miner's car that was destroyed during the 1980 eruption. The hike itself is an easy trip through the recovering landscape to Meta Lake.

100. Hike Quartz Creek. Take a winding hike near — and sometimes right next two — beautiful Quartz Creek. The 8-mile round trip goes up and down and through old-growth and second-growth forest. You'll do about 500 feet of elevation gain on this trail.

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