Went out to Baker Lake on the atmospheric river rainy day for a trail run. I had never run the north half of the trail, and with word that the Anderson Creek bridge was out, I figured this was a perfect time to check it out. I went from the Baker River TH down Baker Lake Trail about 6.5mi out and back. (Total ~13mi, 1604ft gain).
TL;DR:
The trail was in better shape than I anticipated, but does have it's fair share of blowdowns as you start to get further into the trail. In between the blowdowns the trail is great! None of the blowdowns were impassable though, if you don't mind ducking under, walking through, over and around branches. Also, there are about 3 creek crossings that had no way of crossing with dry feet. They weren't necessarily dangerous or deep, but you just have to walk through them getting your feet/shoes wet. Deepest was shin deep, others just ankle deep. (Pro Tip: If you go on a very rainy day, you won't really notice the difference because everything will be wet already anyways).
Road Conditions: Paved on Hwy 20 and a good ways once you turn towards Baker Lake, but does turn to gravel. The road is pretty rough more so in that there were lots of branches and debris from blowdowns still on the road, rocks to maneuver around, etc. There are quite a few potholes, but ones that will test your suspension more than bust your tire if you hit. A handful of deeper ones, but mostly just bumpy road and going around. There is a fairly large lot at the Baker River TH as well as pit toilets.
Trail Conditions:
As mentioned above, trail is in good shape but there are a handful of blowdowns to maneuver around. I spent about 4.5 miles doing mild trail work clearing branches, so hopefully it's a bit more smooth, but for the sake of time had to keep moving, and of course couldn't tend to larger blowdowns that would've required tools. The parts of the trail that aren't covered in branches or blowdowns is really nice and runnable. I'd say after noisy creek, the blowdowns become a little more consistent, so more stopping and pausing. Also, it was actively raining heavily when I went, but there are about 3 creek crossings that didn't have rock hoping or bridge options, and while they were not deep or dangerous, the only way was through and getting your shoes and feet wet. I didn't find it too bad, but wear your quick-dry socks for sure. There were a couple others that were wide enough that my feet got wet, but think that was due to the higher volume of the flow from both snow melt and heavy rain. I don't know if they would be as problematic in better conditions or warmer season. Biggest blowdown was on a bridge (pictured below). The bridge is still passable, but just tread very carefully.
Also, there was one small patch of ice near one of the creek crossings. Pretty slick, but still able to get around and by, and don't imagine it will be there much longer.
Animals/Bugs: No bugs, no animals, and only a couple of other hikers out braving the rain with me.
Water sources: You can probably collect water just about every quarter mile on this trail. The water is abundant and not an issue, if anything they were very heavily flowing and high volume so more creek crossings.
Other: I think on a clear day, this half of the trail would actually be more scenic than the southern half. I don't think I've ever been to Baker Lake and had clean trail all the way through, the day that happens will be a miracle!
Happy Trails!
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