BLANCHARD
STATE FOREST
INTRODUCTION
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The 4,500-acre Blanchard State Forest, located in Skagit County, and areas to the south in Snohomish County, are working forestlands managed by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to provide sustainable revenue in support of public services.
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DNR manages this working forest in partnership with its Blanchard Forest Advisory Committee. This committee consists of a diverse group of stakeholders from the recreational, environmental, timber industry and Skagit County working collaboratively to provide input to the agency on the best practices for managing Blanchard State Forest as a working forest.
The Trails
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You can find a variety of mountain bike trail types and difficulties on Blanchard. Ranging from double black to green with many moderate blue options. Mountain bikers can climb the road or trails to get to the top.
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The Horn (double black) and Rick Rolled (black) are recently sanctioned trails you can now ride at Blanchard.
HOW TO GET THERE
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BLANCHARD FOREST LOWER
The Lower Trailhead trail, which serves as the southern entrance to Chuckanut Mountains, has wide switchbacks that connect with the Upper Trailhead.
Directions: Start at I-5 exit 240. Go north on Samish Lake Road for .5 miles. Turn left on Barrel Springs Road. Go one mile. Turn right on B-1000 Road. Go 1 mile to trailhead.
BLANCHARD FOREST UPPER
Blanchard Upper Trailhead provides the main access for non-motorized recreation use in the southern portion of the Chuckanut Mountains. Trails provide views of Samish Bay, the San Juan Islands and pristine forest lakes.
Directions: From Blanchard State Forest - Lower Trailhead. Continue on B-1000 Road for one mile. Stay right on B-1000 Road for .2 mile to site on the right.