State: Washington
Location: Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
Length, One-Way: 8 miles
Trail Type: Out and Back
Minimum Elevation: 2100 feet
Elevation Change: 1300 feet
Best Season: Summer, Fall
Difficulty: Difficult
Usage: Moderate
Parking: Northwest Forest Pass is required at trailheads.
Trail Information
Starting from its northern end at Forest Road 38, the trail crosses the Middle Fork of the Nooksack and climbs steeply through lush ancient forest, reaching a viewpoint of the Twin Sisters Range at 2.0 miles. The trail continues at a gentler grade, passing some boggy areas and a small pond before reaching Elbow Lake at 3.7 miles.
At the south end of Elbow Lake, a spur trail goes left to two hiker camps along the eastern shore. The main trail passes smaller Lake Doreen and reaches a junction.
The left fork is the Bell Pass Trail (#603.3), which leads to the Mazama Park Horse Camp in the Mt. Baker National Recreation Area.
The right fork winds through pleasant forest for 3.5 more miles, gently dropping down to Bell Creek, which must be forded and continuing to Pioneer Horse Camp and the southern Elbow Lake Trailhead.
Directions
From Sedro-Woolley:
Travel east on State Route 20 for 2.0 miles to Highway 9. Turn left and travel north on Highway 9 to the community of Acme. At milepost 72 after crossing the South Fork of the Nooksack River, turn right on Mosquito Lake Road. Follow the Mosquito Lake Road for 9.0 miles. After crossing the Middle Fork of the Nooksack River, turn right (east) on Forest Road 38. Drive Road 38 for about 11.0 miles to the trailhead, located on the right (south) side. Parking is available directly across from the trailhead.
