Forest Service modernizes vintage resort
New Baker Lake campground provides family day-use recreation
Mt. Baker Lake Resort is closed this summer while the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest modernizes the facility. It will reopen as Swift Creek Campground next year, with more space and day-use features for families.
The original campground opened in 1935 between Swift and Park creeks on the west side of Baker Lake. Nine cabins and 90 RV sites crowded into center of the approximately 22-acre site. Changing demographics, public needs and resource concerns prompted the updates, reducing the number of campsites to 50 and adding group picnic areas. “This is just going to be a nicer experience for people,” said Ann Dunphy, recreation planner for the project. The camp store, boat docks and swim beach will preserve the 30s feel of the original resort. The forest is replacing water and power services, adding trails and accessible features. “By reducing the density of people we lessen the resource impact--erosion, soil compaction and vegetation disruption,” she said.
Several owners have operated the facility over the years, permitting the operation from the Forest Service. Puget Sound Energy has been the most recent owner, and returned the management of the land over to the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest this year during their relicensing process. For information about the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest go to http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/mbs/.