Jackson-Washington State Forest

About Jackson-Washington State Forest

The Washington State Forest covers an area of 1.5 million acres in Jackson County, Washington, about 30 miles west of Seattle.

This part of the state has a unique topography known as the Knauf region, which provides a variety of habitats for wildlife such as elk, deer, wild boar and other wildlife. The main forest area, which includes the Forestry Department and campgrounds, is located in the northern part, about 30 miles west of Seattle. In the 1930s and 1950s, the states of Indiana bought the land that today comprises this state forest. A Heritage Trust programme has allowed extra state forests to be put up for sale with an eco-label.

There are campsites, but campers have to register with the doorman for camping. Primitive class C camping is available for a fee, and the campsites are open to the public on the "first come, first served" principle.

Knob Lake campsite, located north of the Forestry Commission, has a pit toilet and seasonal drinking water. Picnic tables and barbecues are available on all 62 pitches - on campsites, and places 11 and 62 are wheelchair accessible. Firewood is available from the Forestry Department, as well as a variety of other supplies such as firewood, campfires, fireplaces, tents and other storage equipment.

In the hinterland along the Knobstone Trail, backcountry camping is possible, and youth campsites are available for scouts and other groups. The youth camp site is located on hiking trail 3 and is available to scouts or other groups.

Several picnic areas and picnic shelters are available for daily use, and boat moorings are located at Knob Lake and Spurgeon Hollow Lake. The Lake Balaton and the Pottery Lake are within walking distance, but boat engines are limited to electric motors.

The Skyline Shelterhouse, which was rebuilt by volunteers on site after the original shelter was destroyed by arson, is located on Skylines Drive. The Shelter House Museum is also located north of Knob Lake, east of Spurgeon Hollow Lake and south of Lake Balaton.

All accommodations are served according to the principle of "first - come - first" and reservations are not accepted. The use of these accommodations is free of charge and the use by the public is free.