Mount Baker National Forest was established as the Washington Forest Reserve on 22 Februeary 1897 and became a national forest on 04 March 1907 and renamed Mount Baker National forest on 21 January 1924. The Snoqualmie National Forest was established on 01 July 1908 and the two were administratively joined in 1974.

The forest extends more than 140 miles along the western slopes of the Cascade range from the Canada-US border to the northern boundary of Mount Rainier National Park. There are four local ranger districts, each of which have offices within the boundaries of the national forest.

Heather meadows and huckleberry bushes dot the majestic landscape at the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie Forest. Heather Meadows and the visitor center is near the eastern end of the Mount Baker Scenic Byway, WA SR 542.

The Visitor center is located on a ridge that extends northeast from the summit of Mount Baker (elevation: 10,781 feet) an active heavily glaciated volcano.

Here, you will see mountain tarns enclosed by glacial carved peaks and mountain sides replete with nine hundred year old mountain hemlock. But don′s stop look there because many are the majestically carved columns of lava flow andesite rock that stand like black monoliths against a blue sky backdrop.

Entrance Fee: $5.00 per vehicle (Federal Pass Holders: free)

Heather Meadow Restrictions: no camping, no fires, dogs must be on a leash.

Nearby Activities: bicycling, camping, cabins, fishing, hiking, horse riding, hunting, nature viewing, OHV riding, picnicking, scenic drive, water activities, winter sports.

The forest is located east of and within about 70 miles from the major metropolitan centers of western Washington and thus this makes this national forest the most visited nation forest in the entire United States.

Upon awaking, I think to myselƒ, Now that was much better! After having to deal with hot and humid conditions on the island for the last few days, I do so enjoy sleeping in the cool, almost cold nights on the mountain.

Then I drive to Heather Meadows only to find that the top of the mountain is gated because they are still removing the snow off of the roadway; which will not be open until the first of July.