Important: Read for details regarding safe crossings of the Middle Fork.
Summary: Parked at Elbow Lake trailhead, hiked to the end of the road, then Rdiley Creek Trail, around Cathedral Crag, up to Park Butte, back down to Mazama Camp, down through Bell Pass, and back via Elbow Lake.
Full Report:
Started from the Elbow Lakes trailhead today at about 7:30. We first checked to see if there was a way to safely cross the Middle Fork upon getting back to the river on the far side at the end of route, and were satisfied, so we jogged up the road and started the Ridley Creek Trail
Thanks to an earlier trail report, we found the fallen tree that allowed us to cross the Middle Fork about a quarter mile upstream from where the old bridge washed out. It's definitely the only reasonable crossing that we laid eyes on. Piece of cake with a trekking pole to help.
Enjoyed the hike up Ridley, though there were a fair number of fallen trees to navigate over, under or around. Nothing too crazy though.
After arriving at Mazama Camp we opted to go around the north side of Cathedral Crag for some variety, knowing Park Butte would be an out and back. That path is definitely less used and a bit overgrown. But it wasn't too hard to stay on track. Park Butte was lovely as always. Lot's of folks up there from the Baker Lake side.
We headed back down the main trail to Mazama Camp and followed the Bell Pass trail, which was brushy at times and also had some trees to navigate, but really not bad at all. Same with the Elbow Lake trail. Pretty back there at the lakes!
When we eventually made it back down to the Middle Fork, we realized the log in question was not as stable as we would've liked. Fortunately we took our time exploring and found a makeshift bridge downstream a ways. There is a faint trail on the south side of the river leading to the bridge off of the mapped Elbow Lakes. There is also a trail from the bridge up to the road. I marked both locations and you can see on the attached image.
Bottom Line: All these trails are usable, but make sure you are careful with the Middle Fork and take the time to find the correct crossings. Enjoy!
Comments
Blue Hiker on Mazama Park via Ridley Creek, Park Butte, Bell Pass, Elbow Lake
I really appreciate your report. The MF Nooksack River crossing at the beginning of the Ridley Creek Trail, would you feel it is safe enough for a group of 12-13year old scouts to cross on an overnight backpacking trip?
Posted by:
Blue Hiker on Jul 28, 2021 05:53 AM
Tall Tommy on Mazama Park via Ridley Creek, Park Butte, Bell Pass, Elbow Lake
I would think so. Trekking poles will be nice to get up onto the log from the rock below. I found one pole useful and I am 6'5". But my partner was more average height and he had no trouble. You might want to hand packs up to each other, help each other up, etc. But you can do it. Once you are across there a short sandy scramble to get over and kind of a messy hike down the edge of the river to get down to the trail. You might get dirty or get some wet feet through there, but it's doable.
Posted by:
Tall Tommy on Jul 30, 2021 09:51 PM
Tall Tommy on Mazama Park via Ridley Creek, Park Butte, Bell Pass, Elbow Lake
I would think so. Trekking poles will be nice to get up onto the log from the rock below. I found one pole useful and I am 6'5". But my partner was more average height and he had no trouble. You might want to hand packs up to each other, help each other up, etc. But you can do it. Once you are across there a short sandy scramble to get over and kind of a messy hike down the edge of the river to get down to the trail. You might get dirty or get some wet feet through there, but it's doable.
Posted by:
Tall Tommy on Jul 30, 2021 09:52 PM
Blue Hiker on Mazama Park via Ridley Creek, Park Butte, Bell Pass, Elbow Lake
Thank you for this very helpful response.
Posted by:
Blue Hiker on Jul 31, 2021 07:36 AM