The trail was steep for the first two miles. There were many fallen trees and river rock posing bad footing. Else, it was nice and shady with soft areas to hike through.

Thoughts of a shortcut to Schreiber Meadow from Bellingham were dashed. The 12 miles on the Middle Fork Rd began decent with some washboard. The next 4 miles was horribly potholed limited to 5-10 mph. The last 2 miles was the best but watch for sharp rocks. At least 40 minutes to cover that 12 miles. The most exciting part of the trail is the creek bridge at the beginning. The rest of the trail is mostly in nice shape. I don't know when this was ever a horse trail. There are places that are now impassable by horse. Expect 2 1/2 hours each way on a challenging uphill forest hike. You break out into Mazama park with views of Lincoln, Colfax and Baker to the North and the Sisters Range to the West. Then there is the Park Butte lookout another 1100 ft above you. it's another 15 or 20 minutes up to Schreiber's Meadow. I started at 10am and was back at 6 with really no time or energy to explore the Railroad Grade, Park Butte and Schreiber which is always my goal from the Baker Lake side. The only upside to the Ridley trail was a new experience that won't be repeated.

Oh boy- this trail is a fun one. I have hiked Park Butte several times but was looking for a quieter approach to the area. If you are in the same boat- this is the trail for you! We only saw 2 groups staying the night at Mazama Park and 3 groups of day hikers. 

The trail itself is in pretty good shape. The river crossing is easy right now with the log bridge and the rope handles. Our 30 lb dog had no issues crossing on a leash. HOWEVER beware that this bridge is subject to frequent washouts. On the way down we met a lovely WTA volunteer (Hi Karen!) who told us this bridge has gone out on her while on overnight trips. Beware if you are hiking this on a very hot day as lots of snowmelt has the potential to come down the mountain. 

There are several downed trees on the trail. I would recommend a GPS as some spots are tricky and you can loose the trail. It’s nothing crazy, but a GPS makes finding the trail again very easy. 

Once you reach the meadow and Mazama park you are treated with a gorgeous view of Kulshan (Mt Baker). There are several tent sites (marked with log platforms) & a toilet downhill from the shelter. Most streams are dry right now, but there is one running on the Bell Pass trail not far from the shelter.

Watching last light in the mountains with the sound of marmots whistling was the cherry on top. I am forever grateful to live in such a beautiful place. 

A quick weekender to catch some incredible sunset alpenglow! Starting from the Nooksack side provided very quiet trails even on a weekend. 

Ridley Creek - we drove up NF 38 to the Ridley Creek TH, just under an hour from the town of Acme. Only a handful of cars parked, and noting the trail register, just a few campers headed up to Mazama Park for the weekend. 

The Elbow Lake TH is just before the end of the road / Ridley TH, and our plan was to loop through here (via Bell Pass & Elbow Lake trails) on our way back. Wet weather and an early summer river ford later deterred those plans. 

Ridley Creek was in decent condition, with a dozen or so treefalls, but only 2-3 requiring vaulting over. The long gradual climb was mostly shaded but dry, until emerging closer to the exposed meadows at the top.

Mazama Park & Park Butte - Mazama Park was pretty full, with tents ringing the meadow. We took a quick break to chat with folks hiding in the wooden shelter for shade. Climbing up to the Park Butte Trail, Mt Baker (Kulshan) dramatically emerged over the ridge. 

There are a couple tarns and the scenic Shy Lake on the way up to the Butte, and through a maze of social trails, each open space was marked copiously with a 'No Camping' sign. I noticed a couple fire pits, and dismantled them -- all prohibited in this fragile alpine meadow. 

Near the lookout, some tents were tucked under trees and on the exposed ridge. Water access here would require a walk back to the tarns. Be wary of open spaces near shrubs as many day visitors left toilet paper after using the vegetation cover for bathroom breaks. 

We were able to score the Butte for our last night, and said hello to the many day hikers that popped in (including a few that simply barged in and moved our items to their liking). I found an axe and used it to clear the treefall on the way up to the lookout. 

A mouse did come out at nightfall and ran loops around the hut. A bag of snacks fallen under the bed seemed to be the culprit, but we hung all our stuff from the metal cable on the ceiling than risk chewed up gear. I somehow lost a large battery pack if anyone finds it !

Railroad Grade - this trail follows a prominent ridge with a gentle slope leading to the glaciers, with a tree-ringed meadow to the left, a dramatic drop to Rocky Creek on the right. At least a dozen established, raised tent pads, lined the early segments of the trail, and many more suitable spots under clusters of trees as you continue higher. If you're thinking of Mazama Park, this is a much more scenic option, though trailside spots may get heavy traffic. 

Marmots squeaked loudly atop rocks in the wide meadow. Wildflowers haven't bloomed widely yet, but I can imagine the blossoms would be intense here. 

As you reach the tongue of the Easton Glacier, we found over a dozen tents at the shallow bowl of Sandy Camp, many seemingly on escorted tours to summit the peak. Another two dozen tents lined the ridge leading up to the glacier, including a handful set atop the snow itself. Folks wandered up and down ridges looking for places to hide and pee; blue bags required if you're doing more than that.

To the left, we could make out Bellingham, Anacortes, the San Juan Islands, and Vancouver Island. Behind us faintly rose Mt Rainier, Glacier Peak, and Mt Stuart. 

Scott Paul Trail - we intended to do the Scott Paul trail as a dayhike loop, coming back to our camp. Exhausted from the prior day, we made it to the former bridge at Rocky Creek (seasonally removed) and had lunch by the glacial creek before turning back. You could probably find somewhere to hop across higher up, but nothing readily visible from the former bridge. 

Although Saturday and Sunday were toasty in the low 70s, we woke on Monday at just over 40 degrees, with a thick layer of mist and rain dripping off the trees, visibility close to zero. We hiked down with windswept droplets pelting my face, wishing I had packed gaiters. By the time we reached our car in the early afternoon, the sun had dried out the lowlands in the balmy upper 60s.