We drove all the way out here after 2 other hikes were a no go for other reasons. There is no ability to cross the very raging and dangerous river. We went down 2 miles to Elbow Lake and found the same thing. Both these hikes need to be marked as not passable or have a lot of work done. 

So, there is a log. That log will only take you halfway across the river. And your work isn’t done yet. You still have river to cross. I was eventually able to find a way with ice cold water up to my calf, but then I couldn’t figure out how to get back to the trail to push on. I starting thinking that if the river is any higher on my return, I could be in a real pickle. If I was younger, I probably would charge forward. There are probably many people in this area who would do that. But I’m older now and I have responsibilities. And I’d spent 40 minutes walking around this rocky river bed and looking at this river. I decided to call it and declare that the hike. It was about a half mile long.

If you are more confident than me, I strongly advise trekking poles to feel your way through the water and some water sandals that won’t come off in the water.

Arrived at Ridley Creek Trailhead at 8:00 am. We were the only car there, which I suspected would be the case due to previous reports of the bridge being out. A short 1/3 mile takes you down to the river, where indeed! the bridge is out. In the morning hours, we were able to ford the river upstream from the old bridge crossing where it's a bit wider. 

Ridley Creek Trail is overgrown in a few places but overall in fantastic shape. Ripe blueberries were plentiful once we reached treeline. We connected to Bell Pass Trail at Mazama Camp and continued on to Park Butte Lookout. 

The river crossing was higher in the afternoon with the heat of the day and we used a log to cross roughly ~1/4 mile upstream from the old bridge crossing. It would be possible to use this log and not get your feet wet if you have a higher tolerance for bushwhacking than I. 

The bridge is out. 

The river was still high from the storm's rainfall, and we were expecting there to be a bridge, so we didn't attempt the river crossing. I circled in red where the second half of the log bridge is supposed to be. I think when the river calms down you could wade across safely. But we didn't want to risk it so just did Elbow Lake, which was dope.

The plan was simple: park at Ridley Creek, run down to Elbow Lake trailhead, and complete a counterclockwise loop through Bell Pass and Mazama Park. I thought little about the prior day’s rain. The Middle Fork Nooksack crossing started easy enough—just high water and the sound of stones tumbling downstream. A preview of what was coming.

Elbow Lake Trail began as a runner's delight: soft, forgiving surfaces through mixed forest. But past the lakes, the trail became a gauntlet of rain-soaked brush. Every branch seemed determined to wring out yesterday's atmospheric river onto my gear. Running turned to careful picking through the green tunnel, visibility down to a few feet. A massive blowdown above Lake Doreen required some scrambling, the forest feeling wild and untamed after the storm. Then everything opened.

Bell Pass to Mazama Park was a different world—clear trail, emerald meadows still draining from the rain, and surprisingly no bugs. The backpackers at the shelter looked content despite the dampness. Park Butte stayed hidden in clouds, making the decision to skip the unmaintained trail easy. The Ridley Creek trail brought round two of the brush car wash, ensuring complete saturation. But the real adventure waited at the creek crossing.

Half the bridge was gone. Upstream, another damaged crossing looked equally sketchy. The sound of rocks careening downstream a warning soundtrack. But with limited options and daylight burning, I committed to the crossing.

The current hit harder than expected. Twice unseen rocks slammed against my feet, each step requiring total focus on balance and momentum. Cold water provided instant feedback on every foot placement decision. I avoided getting soaked, though it did seem inevitable.

I made it across, feet frozen, but the bushwhack back to trail felt almost relaxing after that intensity. Back at the trailhead stoke returned and I will earmark this route again for another day.