Elbow Lake - Bell Pass - Ridley Creek Loop

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Features Birding · Commonly Backpacked · Fall Colors · Spring · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

This is a great loop on the side of Mount Baker and the mountains to the southwest. Taking minimally traveled trails, this loop certainly gives you the sensation of peace and tranquility. Expect several downed trees, some overgrowth, and other constraints blocking sections of trail. If you have some extra energy, you can add on the Park Butte Overlook connector (out-n-back) at the top of Bell Pass. There is a cool fire lookout tower that the Skagit Alpine Club has adopted.

Crossing the Nooksack is the most difficult part about this loop. Sometimes there is a bridge up, and sometimes it gets taken out during the winter. Often times people will use downed trees to cross the river, but use extreme caution with this. The later in the year you go, the lower the Nooksack will be, and the safer/easier it will be to cross.

This loop makes an amazing longer trail run with a true wilderness feel.

The description is largely in the name. You'll start and head up the Elbow Lake trail. You may have to drive past where it is indicated on the map, but the trailhead will be obvious. Cross the Nooksack River (hopefully there is a bridge - see 'Need to Know' above) and follow the trail as it gradually climbs toward Elbow Lake.

Past the lake, keep climbing and eventually you'll get to Bell Pass Trail. This is a well-maintained and marked trail (there were crews out there when I went through). This will climb to an opening with wonderful views (if the clouds are agreeable) and a place to rest and eat all the snacks.

The junction with Ridley Creek Trail is in this meadow (finding it might be a little challenging. Just use your mobile app), but if you continue past this junction you can reach the top of the pass, and this is the optional extension to reach Park Butte Lookout. The well-traveled spur of Park Butte Trail will get you to the top of the mountain and and unbeatable view.

Return to Ridley Creek and follow this trail on a steep descent through the woods to meet Middle Fork Road (FR 38), and run the remaining mile or so on this road to where you parked.