Nooksack Cirque — Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025

Trailhead was kinda full for a Thursday. The well established log crossing of Ruth Creek was easily made via the wonderful bypass trail. Glad to see the register kiosk full of papers recording the usage up here. So many, in fact, that the sheets have run out and folk have resorted to using their own stationary.

The first two miles of old logging road don't really need description. Several creeks run, and water can be found frequently for those needing it this late in the season. Trail to wilderness sign is in excellent, if not best, condition I've ever seen.

Then there's the last half mile. It's kinda brushy and has a few fun moments crossing streams, but nothing a day hiker won't mind. Passed a party of 5 taking a snack break here. Came upon the usual campsites at 3.9 miles with surprisingly little change in the last 15 years I've known this spot.

I stayed the night on the gravel bars, having been humbled by the task of talking the shifting terrain of bowling ball sized rocks piled onto each other among sand and other hazards. Years ago it was easy for me to reach the Cirque proper but nowadays that kind of walking tires me out quickly.

I did manage to make my way to Price Lake on the return trip, which I wouldn't repeat, and I wouldn't recommend. But it was nice to have seen it, and for those attempting its elusive grandeur, the way is flagged. Just know that it's a hell of a lot farther than you think. Double your expected benchmarks.