Ridley Creek Trail #696
- Ttirrem
- Jun 12, 2019
- 3 min read
June 11, 2019
Ridley Creek empties into the Middle Fork of the Nooksack River. The trailhead is in close proximity to the conflux. The trail climbs 2600 feet over 3.5 miles until reaching the junction of Bell Pass Trail at Mazama Park.
I departed Bellingham at about 7:30am, taking the Mt. Baker Highway until I reached the Mosquito Lake Road. FS 38, which is unmarked, as approximately 5 miles along the Mosquito Lake Road. The first 7 or so miles of road was pothole free and pleasant, but the remaining 6 miles was single-lane, with quite a few potholes.
The trailhead was simply the end of the road. The parking area can accommodate around 10 vehicles, although I was the only person there upon arrival. There was an established fire pit and dispersed campsite immediately opposite of the trailhead kiosk.
Within 5 minutes I reached the Middle Fork of the Nooksack River. Upstream Mount Baker and Colfax Peak were visible. Immediately downstream, the recently installed footbridge was visible.
After crossing the Middle Fork, the trail began to gradually increase in elevation gain. I noticed a great many different types of Fungi growing on the fallen trees and remaining stumps. Various wildflowers were also in bloom along the first mile or so of trail.
After about one mile, the trail became fairly rocky, and I assumed that this portion of the trail was a dry seasonal stream bed. The following mile or so of trail was comprised of switchbacks and elevation gain. There were several downed trees that I had to detour over or around. One tree required climbing over.
Rounding a corner, I was able to see a bit of blue sky. A few steps further, and a slight glimpse of the Twin Sisters Range was visible, and then my first view of Park Butte through a break in the trees.
Advancing further, Blueberry bushes began to line both sides of the trail. The first small patch of snow appeared. Patches of snow began to become more and more prevalent, although it was melting out rapidly. The trail descended into a rocky gully, with a patch of snow on the opposite bank.
Climbing up the the snowbank, I found myself entering a meadow of Blueberry bushes and stunted trees. Park Butte, blanketed with snow and trees, was in view, as was my first glimpse of Cathedral Crag.
The meadow was a combination of pools of water, rivulets, and melting snowfields. This small patch of meadow was quickly left behind as I descended into a snow covered gully. The melting snow made following the boot trail in the snow difficult, and I initially followed the wrong path downhill for several minutes before reversing direction and reacquiring the trail. I frequently postholed through the snow, sinking ankle deep in water and soaking my feet.
Climbing out of the gully, I found myself in the meadow where Mazama Park is located. The meadow was still about 80% covered by very wet snow. The remaining 20% was puddles of water and wet trail. To my left, Colfax Peak and Mount Baker were visible. Directly ahead, Cathedral Crag dominated the horizon, and to my right, Park Butte and the fire lookout were the dominant feature.
I slogged through the snow to Mazama Shelter. Sadly, people had left various refuse, including tarps and a piece of snowmobile cowling inside. I believe that there are campsites located near the shelter, but I was unable to tell due to snow cover.
I ate lunch in the shadow of the shelter and enjoyed the views, before beginning my descent back to the trailhead.
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