Hey all,

I'm headed up to Bellingham this weekend to participate in the Ski to Sea relay. I'm the only paddler on my team, but I was hoping to get some kayaking in anyway. My plan's to head to the NF Nooksack on friday afternoon and try to throw something together, but I'd prefer to have something more definite in place before making the drive.

I've never been up there before, so any suggestions re: rivers would be welcome. I was just going to bring creeking gear, and I'd prefer IV, IV+, and easy V.

Also, if anyone has any intel on free camping up that way, I'd greatly appreciate it.

Thanks!
John

The horseshoe bend section (Nooksack falls to Doug. fir campground) should be at a good level. It's easy to scout the hardest rapids by hiking up a trail on river right from the take out. I'd recommend running all the way down through the lower, class 3 "canyon" section to Glacier. It's a pretty section of river and makes for a longer run (both sections are pretty short on their own). Keep an eye out for wood in both sections- things have been moving around a lot recently.

As for free camping, just a short way past the town of Glacier take a right on glacier creek rd. then an immediate left onto a gravel road that runs along the river. There are a number of good camp spots along the river, but they will likely be busy this weekend.

I think most of us in Bellingham who aren't doing ski-to-sea are high-tailing it out of town this weekend, but hopefully you'll find somebody to paddle with. Have fun!

John,