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View Full Version : Gold Basin National Campground, Verlot WA


Sharpie
09-19-2009, 08:21 PM
Location:
From Everett drive East on SR 92 to Granite Falls. Continue about 14 miles to Gold Basin Campground, Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie's most popular and largest campground, maintained by USDA FS, Darrington Ranger District

In a large loop situated on the South Fork of the Stillaguamish River the close to 100 campsites show a real mix. Some have the feeling of being in a park-like setting, several are wide open to the river and many have a surprising degree of isolation in old growth forest. Located on the Mountain Loop Scenic Byway it is close to wilderness peaks yet still has running water, flush toilets, and warm showers. There are large grassy playfields and an amphitheatre with nature programs. http://thecampingview.com/the_camping_view_gold_basin.html

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=gold+basin,+wa&sll=48.114767,-120.970459&sspn=5.090839,8.492432&ie=UTF8&ll=48.09849,-121.754951&spn=0.159126,0.439453&t=p&z=12

Elevation is 1200 ft ASL

Camped at site 7A.

Date Of Visit:
September 17, 2009

Cost:
$20.00
I was told that the higher rate was because they have hot showers. Well, the showers and flush toilet lavs are at the entrance to the campground. I would have to walk about 1/4 mile to use. Kinda of a scam if you ask me. :mad: All other lavs are pit toilets.

Drinking water and refuse stations were numerous throughout the campground.

Weather:

* Daytime temps were 70 degs F and dry.
* Nighttime was cool, high 40's. Clear. Wind was very calm.

Campground Condition:
*A large campground with 100 sites that is adequately maintained. Paved road to get to the campground as well as in the campground.
* At this time of year I had my choice of campsites. I don't think there were a half dozen groups camping here.
* Drinking water available throughout the campground. Water clean.
* Garbage receptacles near all sites.
* Pit toilets were disgusting. (Campground maintenance is contracted out to Hoodoo.com :mad:)
* On site campground host that sells firewood.
* Sites were level and a mostly gravel.
* Tent pads oare raised 4inches and are large and level.
* Fire pits w/fold over grills. BBQ grilles also.
* Sites are on the larger size and very private.

http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn263/AdventureRiders/DSCN6743.jpg
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn263/AdventureRiders/DSCN6744.jpg
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn263/AdventureRiders/DSCN6723.jpg

Area Riding:
Mostly forest roads, hiking trails, and and many, many campgrounds throughout the area. The town of Silverton, WA is an old mining town and there is the ghost mining town of Monte Cristo, which is a 4 mile hike from the byway.

The Mountain Loop Scenic Byway is Paved for ~15miles where the road turns primitive. It's a nice street bike ride on the paved section. The primitive road goes for an additional 40 miles and terminates in the town of Darrington, WA. in the central Cascade range.

Additional Park Info:
http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/mbs/recreation/camping.shtml

GoldWingGL
09-20-2009, 12:45 AM
Hmmm, about 2 ½ hours from us but it looks like something I might like to try out.

Sharpie
09-20-2009, 06:20 PM
Hmmm, about 2 ½ hours from us but it looks like something I might like to try out.
It's a very nice area to camp. Gold Basin stays open until 9/28 however, in speaking with a Ranger, they may keep it open or one of the other smaller CG's in the area (she mentioned Turlo) open all winter for hunters. An opportunity for some winter camping P^ ;)