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Tent Sites
Fires Unknown
Pets Unknown
Drinking Water
About
Bedal Campground
Bedal Campground is located just off the Mountain Loop Highway in the stunning Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.
Nestled in canopy of forest along the rushing water of the Sauk River, this campground offers visitors a primitive camping experience and access to a wide range of recreational activities.
Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest sits on the west side of the Cascades in Washington, showcasing glacier-covered peaks, wide mountain meadows and old-growth forests, rich in history and outdoor opportunities.
Recreation
The Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest boasts 1,500 miles of trails. From smooth paths meandering through deep quiet forests to challenging ascents up a boulder-studded mountain, opportunities abound for every skill level. Access to biking, rafting and fishing is also readily available.
Within five miles of Bedal Campground are the spectacular North Fork Sauk Falls. A short hike descending 200 feet rewards visitors with views of cascading 45-foot waterfalls that flow into a deep pool surrounded by low-lying ferns and towering forest.
For those interested in higher elevations, the popular Sauk Mountain Trail begins and ends in high mountain meadows, offering wildflowers and spectacular vistas the entire length. On a clear day, Mt. Rainier can be seen to the south, Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands to the west and the rugged Cascade peaks stretching to the east.
Facilities
Bedal Campground offers 21 standard sites. Picnic tables, tent pads, campfire rings and vault toilets are provided.
A large Adirondack shelter built out of of old-growth timber is also available to visitors.
Visitors can access the Sauk River from the campground and a boat ramp is provided for non-motorized watercraft.
Natural Features
On a clear day visitors can spot Mt. Baker, the most prominent feature of the Mt. Baker Wilderness Area. Rising to an elevation of 10,781 feet, this active volcano 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.
Along the banks of the Sauk River an outstanding show of wildflowers in July and August includes paintbrush, phlox, tiger lilies, aster, columbine and lupine.
The surrounding undeveloped wilderness, clean streams and diverse forests support an abundance of wildlife. In addition to being home for a multitude of mammals, birds, amphibians and reptiles, the area sustains more rare species such as lynx, moose, wolves and wolverine.
Nearby Attractions
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.
ADA Access: N
Sites
21
Price
$14.67 - $33.34
Operator
National Forest
Access
Drive In
Contact
Location
Bedal Campground
is located in
Washington
Directions
From Darrington, Washington, travel 16 miles southeast on the graveled single lane section of the Mt. Loop Scenic Byway. The campground is located on the west side of the road at mile post 37, just beyond the junction of Mt. Loop and Forest Road 49.
5 Reviews of Bedal Campground
Shaded campground on Mountain Loop Road
The Bedal Campground is off the mountain loop highway in the Mount Baker- Snoqualmie National Forest. Settled in some old Growth forest it provides a good amount of shade to most sites. There are around 20 sites and some are reservable, the sites run about $15 a night, All campsites include tent pads, picnic tables and fire rings. There are Bear proof trash cans, recycling, and spigots near by each site, The sign said there was a boat launch, but it was next to a trail that led to the river. I expect a canoe is the largest boat you would be able to launch. I have to mention the crazy amount of small waterfalls/cascades on the way in. this place is surrounded by some of the nicest forest I have seen.
Old growth.
The Trees here are Amazing! 21 campsites to choose from, with some availability to reserve. The sites are large, and there is a large old growth shelter available as well. It provides a lot of shade. Campsites include tent pads, picnic tables and fire rings. There are trash cans and recycling options. I was quite amused by the "boat launch" as there was not one. Would stay here. The scenery is amazing.
Nice campground beware of problem bear!
There is an active "problem bear" around this campground. A cooler got raided the morning of August 1. Bear was also sighted near the campground earlier in the week. Campground is nice. If I had to choose between Verlot and Bedal I would go to Bedal. Sauk river is nice and the campground is quiet.
Beautiful and secluded
6 miles of gravel road land you in Bedal, out of cell service and right on the river. Suitable for families or groups, the water is swift and cold though. Pit toilets were reasonably maintained, staff was friendly.
Great out of the way campground
We stayed at this campground two nights as a base camp for some mountain loop highway hiking. Being on the gravel, one lane section of the mountain loop it's a little annoying to get to, but if you're hiking on trails like Goat Lake, Perry Creek, or Mt. Dickerman, it's very close.
The campground was very quiet (walk-up would have been easy, though we reserved ahead of time), and even if it was busy the campsites are fairly separate from each other. The tent area had just enough room for two 2-person tents and a 1-person, and was very flat and rock-free. The campsite also had a picnic table and a firepit.
The drawbacks of this site are the pit toilet and no running water. There's river access but you'll want a water filter.
