Baker Lake, Baker River Restrictions until July 15

If you’re planning a North Cascades trip on Baker Lake or Baker River, expect a detour through July 15.

The Forest Service has closed the Baker Lake Road (Forest Service Road 11) at mile 25.1 to all vehicles, hikers and horseback riders while they upgrade a fish passage culvert at Channel Creek.

The construction will block access to:

• The north Baker trailhead
• Baker River Trail
• North Cascades National Park

Hikers and horseback riders can enter the Baker Lake Trail at the south trailhead, adding 10 miles to the reach of the Baker River Trail and the park entrance.

Campers can still access Shannon Creek Campground and the junction to Forest Service Road 1152.

If you think you’ll be headed to the area to check out the wildflowers or views of Mount Shuksan and Mount Baker before July 15, make sure to call the Mt. Baker Ranger District at 360-856-5700, check the road and trail status, or read recent trip reports for the area before you go.

Curious about fish passages? Learn what they are and why some fish passages need updating.