The Northwest Region stretches from the northern suburbs of Seattle to the Canadian border and includes Island, San Juan, Skagit, Snohomish, and Whatcom counties. This region of mountains, valleys, islands, and Puget Sound shorelines features Blanchard Mountain, Lake Whatcom, Walker Valley, Cypress Island, and the Sultan Basin. The region has 28 recreational sites and 118 miles of trails for hiking, horseback and ORV use. DNR is also stewards of more than 35,000 acres of natural areas that protect high-quality wildlife and plant habitat and provide low-impact public use.
Updated: January 25, 2012
Find out which recreation sites in the Northwest Region are open or closed...and more. Select one of the following links:
Major DNR Recreation Sites
Recreation areas by County
Find out what's going on in Reiter Foothills Forest.
Recreation on DNR-managed lands (includes statewide map)
Please note: DNR may close a recreational facility or trail either temporarily or permanently for the purposes of protecting the environment, public safety, property, or to ensure DNR meets its management and administrative obligations. (Learn more | WAC 332-52-100)
Pets
Pets are allowed on department-managed lands, except in areas that are closed to pets or animals for the protection of wildlife, sensitive natural systems, special cultural areas, or for other purposes. All pets must be on leash. If pets are accompanying livestock, they can be off leash but must be voice controlled. (Learn more | WAC 332-52-140)
BLANCHARD FOREST (Skagit County)
| Trailheads | | Open | | |
| Lily Lake Trail | | Open | | |
| Lily Lake Backcountry Campground | | Open | | Maximum stay length: 7 days (in a 30-day period) |
| Lizard Lake Trail | | Open | | |
| Lizard Lake Backcountry Campground | | Open | | Maximum stay length: 7 days (in a 30-day period) |
| Samish Overlook Day Use Area | | Open | | -- Day-use only. -- No fires. |
CYPRESS ISLAND NATURAL rESOURCES CONSERVATION AREA (Skagit County)
| Cypress Island Natural Resources Conservation Area | | | | More information about Cypress Island NRCA During camping season, maximum stay length is 10 days (in a 30-day period) |
| Cypress Head | | Open** | | -- Overnight camping CLOSED for the season -- Camping season open May 27-Sept. 6, 2011. -- Day use OK year round. |
| Pelican Beach | | Open** | | -- Overnight camping CLOSED for the season -- Camping season open May 27-Sept. 6, 2011. -- Day use OK year round. |
| Strawberry Island | | Open | | -- Day-use only. -- No garbage service. Please pack out what you pack in. (Including human waste.) |
| Trails | | Open | | Eagle Cliff Trail closed February 1 - July 15 |
MORNING STAR NATURAL RESOURCES conservation AREA (Snohomish County)
| MORNING STAR NRCA Notes >> | | | | -- More information about Morning Star NRCA-- Toilet facilities not provided. -- Winter recreation such as snowshoeing, skiing, and other non-motorized foot travel is allowed. Typically, during heavy snowfall--winter & spring--roads may be closed.
-- Heavy seasonal snows will mean closures for most or all of the recreation sites and access roads each year typically from November through June or July.
-- Most trails or trailheads will be minimally maintained or not maintained at all.
-- All trails are primitive and unmarked hazards may exist.
-- Campground not maintained. Camp in established campgrounds only.
-- Practice Leave No Trace principles. (Pack out what you pack in including human waste, etc.)
-- No campfires except in designated firepits at campsites. |
| Ashland Lakes Trail & Trailhead Access | | Open | | Contact the Forest Service for current access information. Road access via US Forest Service Road (FS 4020). |
| Bald Mountain Trail | | Open | | -- This trail is not maintained. Be ware of potential hazards. -- For information about access via the Ashland Lakes Trail, go to Ashland Lakes Trail & Trailhead above. -- For information about access via Cutthroat Lakes, see information for Cutthroat Lakes and Walt Bailey trails. |
| Beaver Plant Lake Trail | | Open | | --Contact the Forest Service for current access information. Road access via US Forest Service Road (FS 4020).. |
| Big Greider Lake Campground | | Open | | -- See Boulder/Greider Lakes Trailhead Access for current information. -- No toilet facilities. |
| Boulder Lake Campground | | CLOSED | | --Closed due to hazardous bridge |
| Boulder/Greider Lakes Trailhead Access | | Open | | -- Trailhead is accessible via Snohomish Co PUD Site 3. Download map. -- No toilet facilities. |
| Cutthroat Lakes | | Open | | - Contact the Forest Service for trail access information via the Walt Bailey Trail and Road access via U.S. Forest Service Road (FS 4032). |
| Greider Lakes Trail | | Open | | -- Trailhead is accessible via Snohomish Co PUD Site 3. Download map. |
| Little Greider Lake Campground | | Open | | -- Trailhead is accessible via Snohomish Co PUD Site 3. Download map. -- No toilet facilities. |
| Lower Ashland Lake Campground | | Open | | -- Contact the Forest Service for current access information. Road access via US Forest Service Road (FS 4020) -- No toilet facilities. |
| Reflection Ponds Loop Trail & Viewing Area | | Open | | -- Trailhead is accessible via Snohomish Co PUD Site 3. Download map. |
| Twin Falls Lake Trail | | CLOSED | | -- Due to severe storm damage to bridge crossings and hazardous conditions. |
| Twin Falls Lake campground | | CLOSED | | -- Due to severe storm damage to bridge crossings and hazardous conditions. |
| Upper Ashland Lake Campground | | Open | | -- Contact the Forest Service for current access information. Road access via US Forest Service Road (FS 4020) -- No toilet facilities. |
| Walt Bailey Trail | | Open | | -- Contact the Forest Service for current access information. Road access via US Forest Service Road (FS 4032). |
San JUAN COUNTYSkagit COUNTY
| Blanchard Forest | | | | |
| Cypress Island NRCA | | | | |
| Les Hilde Trailhead & Trails | | Open | | |
| Samish Island Day Use Area | | Open | | Managed by Skagit County Parks. Call 360-336-9414 for more information. |
| Walker Valley ORV Riding Area | | Open | | RECREATION ALERTS --Tooler Trail is temporarily closed for maintenance. --Mike's Trail closed due to a hazardous bridge --Short Timers Trail closed for maintenance.
-- Work parties take place every 2nd Saturday of the month. Show up at the trailhead at 9 a.m. Work as long as you want. Directions.
|
| WC Dearinger Camp | | CLOSED | | -- Day use only. -- Closed to camping. -- No campfires. -- Facilities removed. Pack-in; pack-out. -- Road closed 1 mile below camp. -- Access by foot OK. |
Snohomish COUNTYWhatcom COUNTY
| Lake Louise NRCA | | Open | | |
| Lummi Island NRCA | | Open | | Maximum stay length: 10 days (in a 30-day period) |