The plan was simple: park at Ridley Creek, run down to Elbow Lake trailhead, and complete a counterclockwise loop through Bell Pass and Mazama Park. I thought little about the prior day’s rain. The Middle Fork Nooksack crossing started easy enough—just high water and the sound of stones tumbling downstream. A preview of what was coming.
Elbow Lake Trail began as a runner's delight: soft, forgiving surfaces through mixed forest. But past the lakes, the trail became a gauntlet of rain-soaked brush. Every branch seemed determined to wring out yesterday's atmospheric river onto my gear. Running turned to careful picking through the green tunnel, visibility down to a few feet. A massive blowdown above Lake Doreen required some scrambling, the forest feeling wild and untamed after the storm. Then everything opened.
Bell Pass to Mazama Park was a different world—clear trail, emerald meadows still draining from the rain, and surprisingly no bugs. The backpackers at the shelter looked content despite the dampness. Park Butte stayed hidden in clouds, making the decision to skip the unmaintained trail easy. The Ridley Creek trail brought round two of the brush car wash, ensuring complete saturation. But the real adventure waited at the creek crossing.
Half the bridge was gone. Upstream, another damaged crossing looked equally sketchy. The sound of rocks careening downstream a warning soundtrack. But with limited options and daylight burning, I committed to the crossing.
The current hit harder than expected. Twice unseen rocks slammed against my feet, each step requiring total focus on balance and momentum. Cold water provided instant feedback on every foot placement decision. I avoided getting soaked, though it did seem inevitable.
I made it across, feet frozen, but the bushwhack back to trail felt almost relaxing after that intensity. Back at the trailhead stoke returned and I will earmark this route again for another day.
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