Park Butte, Bell Pass — Monday, Aug. 16, 2021

We started up the Park Butte trail on a clear day with views of Mount Baker, the fireweed was showy throughout the lower section of the trail.  The trail is in great shape except for the river crossing (see previous trip reports for details).  When we crossed about 11:00 AM if was flowing swiftly before and after the bridge, I would advise poles! (See pic attached)  A hiker told us when we leave to go 70 yards downriver to where you can cross without taking off your shoes on two logs, which we did, but was also somewhat tricky.

We camped at beautiful campsites on the Railroad grade trail about 1/2 miles from the junction.  The next day, we opted for the trail to Bell's Pass, as the Scott Paul bridge is still not put in for the season.  It was a typical NW day with lots of fog, ferns and waterfalls.  We loved it as we have all had such a hot summer.  It was about 3 miles from the Railroad Grade junction to the Pass and we saw several marmots along the way.