Elbow Lake, Bell Pass, Park Butte & Mazama Park via Ridley Creek — Saturday, Jul. 26, 2014

North Cascades > Mount Baker Area

Stream crossing just after elbow lake trailhead had a nice log that someone had flattened and roughed the surface which made crossing easy. Log is 100 m upstream of where trail opens up to stream. No snow until top of Baker pass but lot's of people and tracks. Finding unmarked trail to Rigley Creek near horse camp under Baker Pass difficult. Coming from the pass, the trail is off to the right at a 120 angle around 30 meters before the shelter. Lots of underbrush and soggy meadows. Lost trail a couple times and had to circle around to find it. Rigley Creek was flowing very heavily late in the day. Was able to wade creek alone without backback but almost lost footing waste deep in fast moving water and too dangerous for smaller/lighter companions. Eventually found a log 500 meters up the creek. Scooted across log on butt with feet in the water. Crossing is scary with not many options late in day.