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Jim Creek Frequently Asked Questions

» Who is eligible to use Jim Creek's recreational facilities?
» Do I need to make reservations to stay at Jim Creek?
» When do I pay for my reservations?
» What time is check-in and check-out?
» What is your cancellation policy?
» Can I purchase a Washington State Fishing License at Jim Creek?
» Is there swimming allowed at Twin Lakes or in the Creek?
» Where can I rent a boat?
» Are the Lakes open all year round and are we able to fish year round?
» Can we fish in the creeks?
» What kind of fish can be caught in the Twin Lakes?
» Can we bring our own boats and floating devices to the Twin Lakes?
» Why do we have to pay a $2 Fishing fee?
» Are there hiking and mountain bike trails?
» Can I bring guests that are not military or DOD civilian?
» Can we gather wood to burn?
» What is the “Old Growth Forest” and where is it located?
» Can we bring our dog or cat?
» Is there a store at Jim Creek?
» Are there programs offered at Jim Creek?
» What type of rental equipment do you have at Jim Creek?
» What type of entertainment do you have for children?
» Is there access to Jim Creek 24 hours a day?


» Who is eligible to use Jim Creek's recreational facilities?
Active Duty Military personnel, Retired Military, Reserves, DOD civilians and their immediate families.

» Do I need to make reservations to stay at Jim Creek?
No, however it is recommended that you call in advance for reservations to ensure availability. To make reservations, please call the Jim Creek Recreation office at (425) 304-5315 or (425) 304-5363.

Active duty military and military retirees can make reservations 6 months in advance. DoD civilians can make reservations 3 months in advance.

No advanced reservations are needed for day visits or if you intend to go fishing at the lakes.

» When do I pay for my reservations?
Payment is made at the time of reservation. We accept cash, checks and all major credit cards. In the event payment is made via the mail, confirmation will not be made until payment is received and processed.

» What time is check-in and check-out?
Check-in for most facilities is 2 pm. Check-in for the Lodge, Bear Den and Bobcat Den is 4 pm. Check-out time for all facilities is 11 am.

» What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellations and/or changes need to be made at least 7 days in advance for individual rentals and 1 month in advance for group reservations in order to receive a refund.

A $5 administration fee will be charged for any cancellation of an individual rentals, $25 for group reservations and $100 for the lodge. A refund will not be processed for individual rental cancellations made less than 7 days from scheduled rental date, nor will a refund be given for group cancellations made less than 1 month from scheduled rental date.

» Can I purchase a Washington State Fishing License at Jim Creek?
Yes, but only a 1 day license. Your local sporting goods store will have season passes.

» Is there swimming allowed at Twin Lakes or in the Creek?
No, there is no swimming allowed because of the fragile environment and because there is no lifeguard on duty.

» Where can I rent a boat?
From the Recreation Office, Bldg #4. The lakes are staffed part-time and equipment can be rented on site during this time.

» Are the Lakes open all year round and are we able to fish year round?
No. The lakes are only open May through September.

» Can we fish in the creeks?
Unfortunately not, since the creeks surrounding Twin Lakes and our recreation area are all spawning locations. In order to protect our fish populations, fishing is limited to the Twin Lakes.

» What kind of fish can be caught in the Twin Lakes?
The lakes contain Rainbow Trout and Cutthroat. The Cutthroat is a native, although Rainbows are regularly stocked in the lakes several times a year.

» Can we bring our own boats and floating devices to the Twin Lakes?
No. There is a restriction for personal floating devices and boats brought on base and used at the Twin Lakes because of possible contamination that can be carried from other lakes.

» Why do we have to pay a $2 Fishing fee?
The Jim Creek fishing fee of $2 per person (6 and over) helps to cover the cost of stocking the lakes throughout the season.

» Are there hiking and mountain bike trails?
Yes, there are several trails within the Jim Creek area designated specifically for either hiking or mountain biking. Bikers, roller bladers and skate boarders are required to wear a helmet.

» Can I bring guests that are not military or DOD civilian?
Yes. Authorized patrons (ID holders) are allowed guests,; however, sponsors must remain on station as long as their guests are on site. If guests are driving in their own vehicle, access list information must be reported to Security at least 72 hours in advance of their arrival. This information includes, name, drivers license number and license plate number as well as date of arrival. Sponsored guests must make sure to have current documentation which includes by state law, current driver’s license, car tabs, registration and proof of insurance.

It is a requirement that all motorcycles allowed on base have a D.O.D sticker and riders must be wearing a motorcycle helmet, boots, reflective gear and eye protection.

» Can we gather wood to burn?
No. Jim Creek does not allow patrons to gather wood to burn. Wood is available for purchase at the on-site store in the Recreation Office, Bldg. 4. You may also bring your own wood to burn.

» What is the “Old Growth Forest” and where is it located?
The Old Growth Forest is home to many 260 ft high Sitka Spruce, Western Hemlock, Douglas Fir, Western Red Cedar and Vine Maple Trees. Some trees located along the Twin Lakes hiking trail are up to 10 ft in diameter and are estimated to be up to 600-700 years old. For more information on the Old Growth Forest, come by the Recreation Office for a brochure.

» Can we bring our dog or cat?
Yes, animals are welcome at Jim Creek. We do require that pets remain on a leash at all times and that owners exercise responsibility in picking up after them. Pets are not allowed in the Lodge, Bear Den, Bobcat Den, restroom facilities, showers or other office buildings.

Please note: The sound of barking dogs may not be welcoming to other guests; we ask pet owners to take this into consideration when determining whether to bring their pet.

» Is there a store at Jim Creek?
Yes, the store sells ice, firewood, beverages, snack foods, camping supplies, fishing supplies and other basic items.

» Are there programs offered at Jim Creek?
Jim Creek offers regularly scheduled programs Friday through Sunday during the summer months. We also offer additional programming and seasonal events including, but not limited to, fishing derbies, outdoor cooking classes, hikes and canoe and kayaking paddling lessons.

» What type of rental equipment do you have at Jim Creek?
Jim Creek has a rental shop on site. Camping equipment, sporting equipment, boats, folding chairs and tables can all be rented. Camping equipment includes: tents, sleeping bags, canopies and cribs. Sports equipment includes: mountain bikes, softball equipment, croquet sets, horseshoe sets, and sport balls. Boating equipment includes: rowboats, canoes, kayaks, paddles and coast guard approved life preservers.

» What type of entertainment do you have for children?
Weekend movies, electronic video games, inflatable bouncy house and playground.

» Is there access to Jim Creek 24 hours a day?
Yes. The Security gate is staffed 24 hours a day.

Contact Us
 Jim Creek Recreation Area 
 21027 Jim Creek Road
 Arlington, WA 98223

 Phone Numbers
 (888) 463-6697
 Fax: (425) 304-5364

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