Distance: 2 miles or more
Elevation Gain: 50 feet or more, depending on how far you go.
Maps: Green Trails Mt. Shuksan, No. 14; View the Washington Parks trail map.
Description: Park in this large sno-park and choose from one of several options for wandering. The easiest is the Elk/River Trail, which leaves to the north of the sno-park. It travels through large trees down to and along the Nooksack River. You’ll enjoy peek-a-boo views up the river to snowy mountains. It’s easy to follow the blue diamonds along the river and back toward the Razor Hone Road. Once you’re back to the Razor Hone Road, turn left, and walk along the outside of the road, taking care not to step in the ski tracks. Soon you’ll reach Mom’s Trail, heading off to the right. You can take this trail back to the parking lot for a one-mile loop, or continue up the Razor Hone Road, which becomes multi-use at this point. This road climbs gently up through the forest. Occasionally a snowshoe trail appears that heads down to the river. These trails are more difficult than the Elk/River Trail. Use caution. Stop when you are tired, have a snack and turn around and head back the way you came. You can find maps at the trailhead that explain the trails in the area.
Other nearby trails that you can try include walking through the Silver Fir Campground across the street, and the Hannegan Pass Road on the north side of the river. This can be accessed from a parking area just before you cross the river on Hwy 542. (You’ll need a NW Forest Pass instead of a sno-park pass in order to park there.)
Directions: From I-5 in Bellingham, take Highway 542 east. Pass through the town of Glacier and continue up the highway, 46 miles from the freeway. The sno-park is on the left of the road, just after you cross over the Nooksack River. There are porta-potties at the trailhead. You’ll need a regular sno-park pass to park.
Links: Read about current snow and trail conditions at the Nooksack Nordic Ski Club website. Read my trip report here.