The drive was long enough I was beginning to doubt whether I was on the right road. FR 38 is pretty straight forward except for two forks, go left and up at 5 miles and stay right at 6. From that point on the road has some significant potholes, nothing a sedan couldn't navigate at a slow pace. The road ends and the trail is on the left. There's a sign board and trail register. A trail crew van was a welcomed sign, I only saw two guys with a crosscut saw at a campsite and their work is appreciated as I passed a few fresh cut trees along the way.
The trail quickly arrives at the Middle Fork Nooksack and cairns lead to a great bridge anchored to the rock in the middle and a nice handrail. A short climb goes up and over a ridge and then the trail is pretty chill for a while. There are three creeks with running water here but none the rest of the way so carry enough. The nice part of this hike is it is 95% in the shade.
Once you reach the switchbacks the climbing starts in earnest. There's a lot of huge Sitka Spruce. The only note for this trail section is it comes to a blowdown mess that will make you stop and think for a moment. On the right you'll see steps going up the duff, take this. It's very rocky for a while, feeling more like a streambed than trail but you're on it, and higher up it reverts to duff again. Soon you're past the switchbacks and traversing the ridge. There are a few ups and downs through creek beds that are probably challenging in early season.
When you finally arrive at Mazama Park, views of Mt. Baker (in the clouds today), the Twin Sisters, and Park Butte surround you. There were multiple tents pitched near the shelter. I rested for 30 minutes, hoping the clouds would clear Baker but they never did. I passed a few people going up on the way down. I'd say this hike was more about the destination than the journey.
Comments
Trailbagger on Mazama Park via Ridley Creek
You are aware that the trail from Mazama Park continues up to the Park Butte trail, correct?
Posted by:
Trailbagger on Aug 06, 2023 09:41 PM
Ups n Downs on Mazama Park via Ridley Creek
Yes, but been there done that from the other side. Was going to do Baker Pass and back down Bells but I was tired. Thanks!
Posted by:
Ups n Downs on Aug 06, 2023 09:54 PM