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Outdoor Science and Learning

Many opportunities to learn about nature and local history await you on the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Historic interpretive areas such as a Gold Creek Pond or Boyd Creek Trail teach about natural resources. Historic public and visitor centers provide more local information.

Interpretive Areas/Exhibits

USDA Forest Service uses interpretive areas to educate and engage the public about the natural and cultural resources of national forests, often through signs, exhibits, and programs.

Interpretive areas serve to inform visitors about the history, ecology, and cultural significance of a particular place, encouraging respect for the environment and promoting responsible recreation.

Visitor Programs

Before you hike, bike, ride a horse or backpack, call the respective USDA FS Visitor Center. The helpful staff can give you updates on trail conditions, road closures and other information that will make your trip more enjoyable. 

You can also visit the USDA Forest Service website for more information.

Search for Outdoor Science and Learning Opportunities

Showing: 1 - 10 of 32 results

Austin Pass Picnic Area

Site Open
Picnicking Outdoor Science and Learning Scenic Drives
Located in Heather Meadows, this picnic area provides views of mountains, sub-alpine vegetation and occasional wildlife. Parking is abundant and includes spaces for large busses and RVs. The Heather…

Baker Lake / Middle Fork Nooksack

Site Open
Hiking Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Horse Riding and Camping Winter Sports Outdoor Science and Learning Water Activities Picnicking
Drive east on State Route 20 to the Baker River Highway and beautiful Baker Lake. The area around this nine-mile reservoir features camping, boating, fishing, picnicking, hiking and pack and saddle…

Beckler River Campground

Site Open
Picnicking Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Outdoor Science and Learning
Escape from the bustle of the highway in the dense surrounding forest and river noise at this campground. Located on the banks of the Beckler River and in amongst lush forest is the Beckler River…

Big Four Picnic Area

Site Open
Outdoor Science and Learning Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Picnicking
The Big 4 trailhead, picnic area and trail will be closed weekdays from Monday Sept. 9, 2024 through October 31,2024.  The closure starts at 6 am on Mondays through Fridays at noon. This day use…

Dalles Campground

Site Closed
Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Hiking Outdoor Science and Learning Picnicking
This campground is next to the White River in an old growth forest with Douglas-fir, cedar and western hemlock trees, providing abundant shade.

Deception Falls Picnic Area

Site Open
Picnicking Outdoor Science and Learning
Visit this scenic picnic area and enjoy a half-mile interpretive trail with a viewing platform up-close and personal to the crashing sprays of the falls. A must-see when the spring runoff is flowing.…

Evergreen Lookout

Hiking Outdoor Science and Learning
Climb steeply the first two-thirds of a mile through the old Evergreen Mountain Burn of 1967. Enter a dense forest where the grade eases a bit before reaching a small saddle below the lookout and…

Franklin Falls Trailhead

Site Open
Outdoor Science and Learning Hiking
Provides access to: Franklin Falls Trail 1036, Wagon Road Trail 1021Franklin Falls Sno-Park Opening for Winter 2024/25!The Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, in partnership with Washington State…

Gold Basin Campground

Site Open
Outdoor Science and Learning
Gold Basin Campground is the largest campground on the Mountain Loop Highway and offers the most developed and accessible camping experience.There is a large, open field suitable for frisbee throwing…

Last updated February 27th, 2025