Arriving at Samish Woods Montessori the Alevin Explorers had lightness about their step and a look of excitement in their eyes. After postponing their first exploration due to 50mph winds, the morning’s cloudless sky and gorgeous sunshine affirmed that the mentors had made the right call. Climbing aboard our new bus Moose, the boys were impressed with its quiet engine upon start up and ability to accelerate faster than Stubbs (aka the Banana Slug).
Heading out Mt. Baker Highway the boys reconnected by trying to convince each other of either the Seahawks or 49’ers superiority. Passing Deming we turned down Mosquito Lake Road crossing over the North Fork of the Nooksack and eventually veering off onto Forest Service Road #38. Twisting, turning, and bumping down the road we had to make multiple stops to allow for some Explorers get some fresh air in an effort to retain their breakfast.
After the thirteen-mile journey, we arrived at the Ridley Creek Trailhead. It was quite brisk and the mentors were pleasantly surprised to see that every Explorer had brought warm layers. The group was anxious to get on the trail, but the mentors held the group as we still needed to pass out jobs and orient ourselves to where we were.
Taking a look at the topo map is was clear that we were in a very dynamic location. Our trail was roughly four miles one way and started with a crossing of the drainage of the Deming Glacier, which is also the headwaters of the Middle Fork of the Nooksack River. After the creek crossing we would enter into the Mt. Baker Wilderness, climbing roughly 2,000 feet to the beautiful alpine meadows of Mazama Park.
Together we brainstormed precautions and risks that we needed to consider before embarking into the wilderness. We discussed that being farther away from definitive care means having a deepened awareness for oneself and the group while thinking through each decision with this in mind. We also agreed that we needed to pay close attention to what we were doing which extended to our impact on the land.
Once we were oriented to the landscape and risk involved we talked a little about the trail. Ridley creek is considered a primitive trail, which means that occasionally it requires route finding, there are often downed logs that have to be maneuvered, and the trail is a mix of creek beds, root stairs cases, and loose rocks.
Arriving at the creek it was abundantly clear the sheer volume of water that had flooded its banks during spring. Thankfully the dryer year and the previous days of sunshine left the crossing manageable. Walking across the exposed riverbed we looked to our North for a spectacular view of the Deming Glacier glimmering in the sun, contrasted by the sheer cliffs of the Black Buttes. Looking to our South at Bell Pass we spotted a lone Mountain Goat foraging through the meadow.
Drawing near to the crossing we could hear the river’s roar. Spotting the log bridge we circled up for some risk assessment. The boys identified that the creek was swift but shallow, and the bridge had some frost making it quite slick. Unbuckling their hip belts and grasping the nettle the boys crossed the creek with focus. Our crossing marked a threshold where we left the front country and entered into a rugged wilderness.
Hiking along the sound of the creek started to fade in the distance and the trail began to get steeper and the trees taller. The mentors explained that this portion of the Mt. Baker Wilderness had never been logged and was considerably different than a classic lowland old growth forest. The forest is made up almost entirely of very large Western Hemlock, Mountain Hemlock, and Alaskan Yellow Cedar, and Pacific Silver Fir. We went on to explain that in virgin old growth stands Hemlock is actually the climax tree species while many of our second growth forests near to town are dominated by Doug Fir and Cedar because the Hemlocks have not yet established themselves.
Under shadow of the canopy the forest was damp and wet. Feeling a little hunger the boys pushed onward searching for a sunny spot to eat. Stopping next to a small creek they boys ate and lounged while they searched for Salamanders in the Sphagnum Moss.
After lunch we trekked through the dense forest, taking note of the distinct game trails, which led in all directions. Old growth snags stood like relics keeping watch over the forest. Pulling over for a rest the group called for a game. Assessing how much time and impact it would have we agreed to play a quick game of Spider’s Web at the bottom of the switchbacks leading up into the meadow and then spend the rest of the time trying to hike high enough for a view. Setting up clear boundaries the boys played a slow and stealthy game is Spider’s Web. One Explorer said that it was “his favorite location he had ever played in”. Grabbing our packs the boys pushed up the switchbacks until we reached our turn-around point.
Disappointed that we would not get a view the group turned around to leave and we saw a shale field just above us. Safely we climbed up it one by one to find our place on the land with a sit spot. Looking across the Middle Fork Valley views of the Twin Sisters were breath taking. As we sat against the warm boulders the vibrant reds and yellows of the Vine Maples shimmered in the wind and a stillness came or the group. If there is one thing we can count on in a wilderness experience it is its ability to take us outside of ourselves and helps us realize that we are part of something that is so much more.
Hiking back down we arrived back at our creek crossing with ample time to explore its banks. While the Explorers basked in the sun, climbed on boulders, and hunted for glacially deposited rocks the mentors cut up some apples. Calling the group together we sat under the shadow of Mt. Baker for a circle of thanks. With all the Alevin’s usual squirreliness aside we held a power moment of thanks. These Explorers really enjoy being in wilderness. They are at home here and share deep connection and reverence for its pristine qualities and endless opportunities. What a wonderful way to begin our fall 2015 journey. Parent thanks you trusting with your boys. We cannot express enough how deeply fulfilling it is to share experiences in the wild spaces with yours sons.
For more pictures from the day please visit the Alevin’s photo gallery.
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