Campers just lost one of their go-to riverfront refuges on the Skagit, at least for now. Goodell Creek Campground in the North Cascades has been temporarily closed after park staff reported increased bear activity in the lower valley. The small riverfront spot, tucked along the Skagit River just north of Marblemount, will remain off-limits while rangers monitor the animals and assess visitor safety. Park managers say the top priority is simple: keep people and bears apart while they figure out what is going on.
As reported by My Bellingham Now on June 19, 2026, the North Cascades National Park Service has marked Goodell Creek Campground as "closed until further notice" and is urging recreationalists to follow proper food-storage rules. The park’s trail-conditions page also flags reports of aggressive bear activity in some camps and reminds visitors to report any sightings to rangers and visitor centers.
Where Goodell Sits And What Is Closed
Goodell Creek is a compact, drive-in campground on the banks of the Skagit River, with roughly two dozen sites, vault toilets and seasonal potable water. Many of the sites come with bear boxes for secure storage. Recreation.gov lists the campground’s amenities and notes that campers should use the provided food lockers and notify park staff if they encounter bears.
How To Store Food And Why It Matters
The park stresses that "proper food storage is essential and required (by law) for the health and safety of humans and animals," and may temporarily require bear-resistant containers in certain areas. The North Cascades National Park Service page lays out canister loans, required backcountry zones, what counts as a scented item, and how to properly hang or secure food so a curious bear does not turn into a problem bear.
Before You Go
If you have reservations or are planning a trip into the corridor, check current campsite status and alerts before you drive, since conditions and closures can change on short notice. For the latest campground status and any word on reopening, keep an eye on Recreation.gov and local updates while the park continues to monitor bear activity.
