Baker Lake and Lake Shannon

The Baker River Basin

One of the Pacific Northwest's most scenic forest and mountain landscapes, the Baker River Basin is located in the Cascade Mountains in northwest Washington. Here, on a tributary of the Skagit River, the two dams of our Baker River Hydroelectric Project form two picturesque reservoirs, Baker Lake and Lake Shannon.

Nature lovers enjoy a variety of recreational activities in the area around the lakes, including hiking, camping, hunting, fishing, swimming and winter sports. The easily accessible area features observation viewpoints, interpretation facilities and many opportunities for studying nature.

Baker Lake

Nine-mile-long Baker Lake sits on the Baker River about eight miles north of Concrete, Wash., just off the North Cascades Highway (SR 20). Map It.

The area offers several amenities. There are several developed campgrounds including PSE’s Kulshan Campground with dry sites open year-round. During peak recreation season, Memorial Day through Labor Day, Kulshan Campground provides approximately 108 tent and RV sites available on a first-come-first-served basis. There are five boat launches located along the lake’s western shore available for public use.

The Baker Lake Trail extends along the eastern shoreline for eight miles before crossing the Baker River at the lake's north end. You can find the 312-foot-high Upper Baker Dam and West Pass Dike at the south end of the lake.

Lake Shannon

With densely forested hills and rugged ridges, Lake Shannon extends seven miles northward from nearby Concrete. Lower Baker Dam rises 285 feet and spans a narrow, steep-sided gorge at the south end of Lake Shannon. Map It.

Road access is limited. PSE's public boat launch on the eastern shore currently provides the only developed amenity on the reservoir. Informal recreational activities such as hiking and fishing are permitted, except where otherwise posted.

To learn more about Baker Lake and Lake Shannon recreational services and winter-closure updates, contact: