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Hemmed in by several designated wilderness areas, the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest showcases rugged peaks, sparkling alpine lakes and old-growth forests. Mt. Baker, the most prominent feature of the Mt. Baker Wilderness Area, dominates the landscape on a clear day. Rising to an elevation of 10,781 feet, the active volcano from which the forest takes its name is perpetually snow-capped and mantled with an extensive network of creeping glaciers. Mt. Baker's summit, Grant Peak, is actually a 1,300-foot-deep mound of ice, which hides a massive volcanic crater. More than 700 lakes and mountain ponds dot the glacier-carved terrain of nearby Alpine Lake Wilderness. Tree-covered valleys give way to rocky ridges and rugged peaks along the crest of the Cascades. Many peaks and slopes are permanently cloaked in snowfields. Congress designated the Alpine Lakes Wilderness in 1976 with a total of 362,789 acres, 117,862 of which lie in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.
Recreation: In addition to being a prime location for hiking and fishing in summer and early fall, Miller River offers excellent skiing and snowshoeing in the winter months. The Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest's 1,500 miles of trails can entice any hiker to get outdoors. From smooth paths meandering through deep quiet forests to challenging ascents up boulder-studded mountains, opportunities abound for every skill level. The nearby Dorothy Lake Trail begins in a densely shaded forest for approximately 1.5 miles to the outlet of Dorothy Lake, then continues along the lake's eastern edge for another 2 miles to its inlet. From here the trail climbs steeply over a ridge and enters the Snoqualmie Ranger District. Permits are needed for both day-use hiking and overnight backpacking and camping in Wilderness Areas.
Nearby: Visitors enjoy the North Cascades and Mt. Rainer National Parks, where interpretive programs and exhibits offer education about the diverse landscape and history of the area. The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), one of the world's premier National Scenic Trails, showcases some of North America's most fantastic scenery, winding its way its way from Mexico to Canada through California, Oregon and Washington, and is accessible near the campground.