I often camped at this nice campground straddling Bird Creek from mid-May through July from 2000-2010. It sees fairly heavy use from local families on weekends, especially during the major summer holidays when it is pretty noisy from late night card games and the roar of motor bikes and ATVs. It generally is pretty quiet the rest of the time.
Access: From the east end of Glenwood, WA (gas station, small motel, several small restaurants and small stores) proceed north on the paved Mt. Adams Highway. At the Yakima county line, the road becomes rough gravel for about 100 meters before reaching an intersection. Turn left at this intersection onto the paved K1000. Proceed about one and a half miles north before turning west (left) onto the gravel K5000. Several hundred meters up this road, there will be a road to the left which crosses Bird Creek. This currently is closed (spring of 2007) due to flood damage. Pass this road, then veer left onto K4000 which climbs gradually through open (thinned) coniferous forest. Turn left at the signed access road for Bird Creek Campground (DNR) on the left side of the road to enter the campground. A number of campsites and pit toilets can be found on both the north and south banks of Bird Creek. A wooden auto bridge crosses to the west bank where there is also a large group camping area higher on the hill. The road proceeds south to Road K3000 which parallels Bird Creek. This is very rough road notorious for destroying auto tires so drive it with care. Vehicles with large tires and plenty of tread should be fine. K3000 also proceeds west and eventually (about 30 minutes) reaches Road #82 at the boundary with the Gifford Pinchot N.F. This provides access for those with good tires to Bird Creek Meadows and the southeastern slopes of Mt. Adams around the Aiken Lava Flow. Note: Road K3000 doesn't appear to have much use at the Road 82 end (lots of vegetation on the road), so be aware that there could be larger vegetation encroaching the road, trees across the road, and minimal maintenance.
Water: Carry plenty of bottled water. Water is found in Bird Creek throughout the year, but it is probably best to boil it, chemically purify it or filter it before human consumption.
Permits: A Discover Pass is needed. For camping, register at the registration sign & fee drop. I'm uncertain whether a feeis needed for camping at this time (2023).
There are no established trails at this location, although there is a plethora of offroad vehicle tracks extending from the area.
May 6, 2006: Rd K3000 from Glenwood, WA to Bird Creek Camp -
May 7, 2005: Rd K3000 from GPNF Rd 82 to Glenwood, WA - Plants not seen at points on the other lists on this page.