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The Triangle Recreation Camp area is located at Bender Creek, 21 miles east of Granite Falls, Washington on the Mountain Loop Highway. In eastern Snohomish County, the Mountain Loop Byway opens the door to a hikers and campers paradise. In the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest you will find over 360 miles of hiking and horse trails, numerous picnic sites, scenic roads and 3 wilderness areas. Wild and scenic rivers, waterfalls, alpine lakes, scenic vistas and old growth forests provide activities for nearly everyone. If hiking on U.S. Forestry Service trails, a Northwest Forest Pass (new name for the trail pass) is required. A pass can be purchased at the Verlot Ranger Station. The cost is $5.00 per day or $30.00 for the season, per person.

A terrific site to check out is Site of Old Growth Forests in Washington State. The goal of this site is to show you locations where you can visit old growth forests in Washington State. Further, the site defines what old growth forests are and how much there is in the area.

Attractions:
 

  • Big Four Ice Caves (Trail #723)

    • Located off the Mountain Loop Hwy, this trail is the most popular trail in the district. The caves themselves usually do not start to form until August. This is a gentle, short 1 mile hike and is excellent for a day outing. 
    Caution: Caves are exceptionally dangerous to enter or climb on, as tons of ice may crash to the floor with little or no warning. Many people have been killed at Big Four by huge chunks of falling ice.
     
  • Quarry Waterfall

    • This beautiful waterfall is located past the end of the quarry road (the road you use to get to the parking lot and to the camping areas across the highway). As you walk up to the end of the quarry road you will come to a metal cable across the road. After passing that and walking a short distance up the hill, you will pass a small deserted cabin. Keep walking and the road will eventually end at the quarry, which actually looks like a huge pile of rock at the base of the mountain. Just behind this big pile of boulders is a creek bed. Depending on the time of the season it can either be a rushing river or a small stream. You follow the stream half way up the hillside and you will come to a section that has 3 small pools, each at a different level, which cascade down to the pool below, creating the waterfalls. The waterfalls and the view from that high are a beautiful site to behold, but it is a bit of a hike to get there.
    CAUTION: This is a rugged mountain trail, and as with hiking in any wilderness area it involves some danger. Always exercise caution when camping and hiking - pick your route carefully (and be sure you know how to get back), watch for falling rocks, and never hike alone.     
     
  • The Falls of Granite Falls

    •  
  • Monte Cristo Ghost Town
    Access to Monte Cristo is by hiking the last few miles along an old road that was closed to vehicles because of a washout years ago.
US Forestry Service Map
(click map to view larger image)


The mountains and the uncertainty of the weather can be unforgiving. To enhance everyone's safety and enjoyment, you should always have the "Ten Essential Items" to carry into the forest.
 

  1. Extra Clothing including Rain Gear
  2. Extra Food
  3. Canteen Water
  4. Sun Glasses
  5. Sun Protection
  6. Pocket Knife
  7. First Aid Kit
  8. Bug Repellent
  9. Flashlight with Fresh Batteries
  10. Signal Mirror
TIPS:
  • Check Fire Danger level at the Host Hut before starting on your expedition.
  • Treat water before drinking (giardia may be present). It is best to bring water with you.
  • Litter - if you pack it in PLEASE PACK IT OUT.
  • Let someone know where you are going and when you will return.
  • Your cell phone may not work because of the mountainous terrain.
For more information about the area around Bender Creek, please visit the Mt. Baker- Snoqualmie National Forest website.
 

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