Natural Resources Department

For residents of Washington State, the expansive public lands managed by the **Department of Natural Resources (DNR)** are the gateway to some of the most spectacular camping and outdoor recreation experiences the state has to offer. The **Natural Resources Department** office located in Sedro-Woolley serves as the headquarters for the **Northwest Region** of the DNR, managing millions of acres of state trust lands across the region. While the address itself is a regional administrative office, it is the primary contact point for users seeking permits, information, and guidance on accessing the vast network of DNR-managed campgrounds, recreation sites, and trails nestled in the forests and wildlands of Northwest Washington.

The DNR's mission is to manage these lands responsibly, providing sustainable timber resources while also offering incredible public access for outdoor activities. This includes maintaining numerous campgrounds and dispersed camping opportunities. A key component of accessing these state-managed camping areas is the **Discover Pass**, which is required for vehicles parked at most DNR trailheads and campsites. The customer service provided by the staff in the Sedro-Woolley office is often highlighted by users for its exceptional quality; reviewers praise the employees for being "kind, courteous," and going "out of their way to be sure their answers are clear," indicating a level of service you might not typically expect from a government agency. This approachable and helpful attitude makes planning your next Washington wilderness trip significantly easier.

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The Northwest Region office of the Natural Resources Department is conveniently located in the Skagit Valley town of Sedro-Woolley, positioning it as a key resource hub for adventurers heading into the North Cascades, Puget Sound Islands, and surrounding state forests. The administrative address is:

919 N Township St, Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284, USA

This location is easily accessible from **State Route 20** (North Cascades Highway) and **I-5**, the two main north-south corridors connecting the region. Sedro-Woolley serves as a critical stop for supplies, gas, and information before heading into more remote areas like the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest or the DNR’s own managed forests and conservation areas.

Accessibility is a priority for the administrative functions of this office, which features a **wheelchair accessible entrance** and a dedicated **wheelchair accessible parking lot**. While the physical office handles administrative duties, the camping and recreational areas the office manages—like those in the **Les Hilde State Forest**—span across a large geographic area in the Northwest corner of Washington, providing a spectrum of accessible and remote outdoor opportunities for all Washingtonians.

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The services offered by the DNR, accessible through the Sedro-Woolley Northwest Region office, are focused on land management, recreation guidance, and regulatory compliance. These services are vital for any Washington resident planning to use state trust lands for camping or recreation. Key services and provisions for campers include:

• **Recreation Information and Mapping:** Providing up-to-date information on the status and access to **DNR campgrounds**, day-use areas, and over 1,200 miles of **multi-use trails** (hiking, biking, horseback riding) managed across state trust lands in the Northwest Region.
• **Campsite Availability:** Information on **first-come, first-served** camping sites that are available at no additional cost beyond the required Discover Pass.
• **Permitting and Pass Information:** Guidance on obtaining and using the **Discover Pass**, which is mandatory for vehicle access to most DNR-managed recreation sites. The office is a resource for understanding regulations and restrictions, such as seasonal **campfire bans**.
• **Dispersed Camping:** Providing guidelines and information on permitted **dispersed camping** (primitive camping away from designated campsites) in various state forests and conservation areas.
• **Volunteer and Host Programs:** The office is a resource for those interested in **volunteer opportunities** or becoming a **campground host** within the Northwest Region's managed areas.
• **Forest Health and Safety Information:** Offering current alerts regarding forest management activities, such as timber sales or prescribed burns, which may temporarily impact recreational use.
• **Accessibility:** The administrative office offers a **wheelchair accessible entrance** and **on-site parking**, facilitating easy access for all users needing to obtain information or assistance.

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The recreational features managed by the DNR Northwest Region are centered on providing expansive, often primitive, and diverse outdoor experiences. These highlights are what draw Washington residents to the state trust lands:

• **Access to Vast Wilderness:** Campers gain access to millions of acres of **state trust lands** and **Natural Resources Conservation Areas (NRCAs)**, providing opportunities to explore Washington's diverse ecosystems, from Puget Sound shorelines to mountain foothills.
• **Diverse Camping Options:** The DNR manages numerous official campgrounds and allows for a substantial amount of **dispersed camping** in designated areas, catering to different styles of camping, from car camping to true backcountry experiences. For instance, the **Les Hilde** area is a known site for camping and recreation in Skagit County.
• **Multi-Use Trail System:** The expansive trail network supports a variety of activities, including **hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding**, allowing long-distance exploration directly from camping areas.
• **Low-Cost Camping:** The majority of DNR camping is available on a first-come, first-served basis, requiring only the purchase of an annual **Discover Pass** (or a day-use pass), making it an extremely **budget-friendly** option for Washington families.
• **Commitment to Customer Service:** As evidenced by customer reviews, the staff at the Sedro-Woolley office is exceptionally **courteous and helpful**, which is a significant feature for first-time visitors or those seeking detailed information about remote sites and regulations.
• **Emphasis on Leave No Trace:** The DNR strongly promotes **Leave No Trace** principles, encouraging campers to pack out all garbage and respect the wilderness, ensuring the beauty of these areas is preserved for future generations.

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The Sedro-Woolley office serves as the main point of contact for the Department of Natural Resources Northwest Region. For specific camping inquiries, recreation updates, and to contact the helpful staff, please use the following:

Address: 919 N Township St, Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284, USA

Phone: (360) 856-3500

Mobile Phone: +1 360-856-3500

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For Washington residents, the **Department of Natural Resources** is worth choosing as a camping resource because it provides the **most expansive and affordable access to the state's true wildlands**. Unlike private campgrounds, the DNR’s focus is on conserving and providing opportunities for primitive, low-impact, and dispersed recreation across a massive scale. Choosing a DNR-managed camping experience means embracing the Washington wilderness—using the required **Discover Pass** is your ticket to hundreds of miles of trails and numerous first-come, first-served campsites.

The key value proposition is the ability to find **seclusion and unparalleled natural beauty** without paying high nightly fees. Furthermore, the outstanding reputation of the Sedro-Woolley office staff for providing **clear, courteous, and accurate service** ensures that even navigating the rules of public lands is a pleasant experience. If you are a Washingtonian seeking genuine wilderness adventure, extensive trail systems for multi-day trips, and a commitment to preserving the natural environment, utilizing the DNR’s network of campgrounds and dispersed camping areas is the essential choice.

Natural Resources Department

919 N Township St, Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284, USA