Contact Info
Suite 3A
Everett, WA 98201
- Phone:
- 425-783-6000
- Toll-Free:
- 800-627-0062
Basics
- Length:
- 8 miles one-way
- Difficulty:
- Difficult
- Elevation Range:
- 2100 feet to 3400 feet
- Elevation Change:
- 1300 feet
- Usage:
- Medium
- Season:
- Summer to Fall
Description
Starting from its northern end at Forest Service Road No. 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 No. 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.
Elbow Lake and Lake Doreen are popular fishing spots. A Washington State fishing license is required.
Water is plentiful but must be treated before drinking.
This trail enters the Mt. Baker Wilderness. In keeping with Wilderness regulations, party size must be limited to 12 members.
Details
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Useful Map(s):
Map + Directions
Basic Directions
From Sedro-Woolley, follow State Route 20 east for 16.0 miles to milepost 82. Turn left (north) on the Baker Lake Highway (Forest Service Road #11). Continue for 12.0 miles to Forest Service Road #12 and turn left. Travel Road #12 for 14.0 miles and look for a sign indicating a left hand turn for the trailhead. Turn left on a short spur road, which leads to Pioneer Horse Camp and the Elbow Lake Trailhead. The trailhead is located on the right (north) side of the parking area.
Note: Forest Service Road #12 is closed and gated from November 1 - July 1 at Wanlick Pass, 5.4 miles before the Pioneer Camp Trailhead (about 8.5 miles from the end of the road). To protect elk breeding habitat, no motorized vehicles are allowed beyond this point during these closure dates.
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 Service 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.
Note: Forest Service Road #38 is closed and gated from November 1 - June 15 at Wallace Creek, 1.3 miles before the trailhead. To protect elk breeding habitat, no motorized vehicles are allowed beyond this point during these closure dates.
