Skykomish Ranger District

Attractions - The Skykomish Ranger District is a picturesque area featuring glacier-cut valleys, snow capped peaks, forested ridges, scenic hiking trails and campgrounds. There are two wilderness areas found within the District. Henry M. Jackson Wilderness comprises 102,673 acres and contains approximately 30 lakes. Alpine Lakes Wilderness encompasses approximately 394,000 acres and is accessed by 47 trailheads and 615 miles of trails.

Some of the popular hiking trails are found within the wildernesses. A few of these trails include the Clarice Lake Trail, the West Fork Foss Lakes Trail, Evans Lake Trail, Tonga Ridge Trail, Deception Creek Trail as well as a popular section of the Pacific Crest Trail. Popular campgrounds are found along U.S. Hwy. 2 and these include Moey Creek Campground and Beckler River Campground.

Recreation - Plenty of recreational opportunities can be found in the Skykomish Ranger District. Hiking, backpacking, mountain climbing, horseback riding, picnicking, viewing scenery and wildlife as well as alpine skiing and snowshoeing in the winter are just a few of the activities available to visitors.

Climate - The climate within the Skykomish Ranger District changes drastically with elevation. The area receives a high amount of precipitation. Much of the precipitation comes from October to April in the form of rain at the low elevations and as wet heavy snow in the higher elevations. Deep winter snowpacks accumulate in the high elevations. Although snow is possible in the lowest elevations, it is less frequent. Late spring, summer and early autumn tend to bring clear, sunny days with moderate temperatures.

Location - The Skykomish Ranger District is located in northwestern Washington within the central portion of the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. The District is bordered by the Darrington Ranger District to the north, the Wenatchee National Forest to the east, and the North Bend Ranger District to the south. The District can be accessed from Seattle via I-5 northbound and then east on U.S. Hwy. 2 from Gold Bar.