Noisy Creek, Baker Lake, and Big Trees (Oh my!)

**Edit: 9/28, 9:00am**
1. Added trailhead location/map to event.
2. Confirming original plan is what we'll do. I'd considered switching to a hike where there was a better weather forecast, but the Friday forecast for this area improved to sunny from chance of rain as of 8am today. Tom and the Bellingham Trails and Adventure Group postponed until Sunday, so it will just be us going.
3. I'm having issues with the event comments as well as direct messages on Meetup. Reporting both to Meetup this morning. In the mean time, don't assume all communications are working.
**

Join us and Tom's group of folks from the Bellingham Trails and Adventure Group on a hike along Baker Lake with a side trip up the Noisy Creek trail to old growth trees and a waterfall.

This is a 12 mile out-and-back hike with about 1,000 feet elevation gain (most of this is the Noisy Creek trail). The hike along the lake is generally smooth and rolling, mostly under forest cover, and roughly follows the lake from a distance with lots of little bridges for small creeks, plus the suspension bridge over the Baker River. Parts of the trail are heavily wooded, with lots of very large trees filled with thick moss. There is a bathroom available at trailhead.

Parking pass required: Northwest Forest Pass (or America the Beautiful, etc.)
Hike Info: https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/baker-lake
Map: Green Trails Mt. Shuksan #14/Lk. Shannon #46
Dogs: Well-behaved dogs are welcome, preferably leashed.

Overview: Pace will be moderate. We will plan on stopping for lunch at the Noisy Creek campground and we will take breaks for photo ops. We would like to stay together as one group for this hike. The end time is an estimate. After the hike, we can stop at the Birdsview Diner for a fine meal, if people are willing. Since this is cross-posted, initial number of RSVP spots is low, but it might be adjusted based on number of signups in the Bellingham group. Don't hesitate to sign up on the waitlist if you're interested.

The Bellingham people are meeting at the Lake Samish Park & Ride [https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZZZXBYScYo3HQCqD8] (next to the N Lake Samish exit #246 on I-5, across from the fire station) at 8:00am. People from Skagit can meet us at 8:30 at the W Ferry St. Parking Lot [https://maps.app.goo.gl/C1Jt4H36VyB2ytFt8] in Sedro Woolley. The lot is on the SE side of the roundabout at Cook Road and W. Ferry St. and isn't well marked, if at all. Entrance is on W. Ferry just south of the roundabout. From there, we'll drive out to the trailhead. Estimated meeting time at the trailhead is 9:45 if you're not meeting us in Sedro Woolley. Use the comments in the event to let us know where you would like to meet.

Directions to Trailhead: Head east on Highway 20. About 12 miles east of Sedro Woolley, turn left onto Baker Lake Road and follow it for 26 miles to the end. The last six miles are gravel, but it can generally be driven by any car as long as you're careful with the potholes, etc. **Note: we are going to the north end of Baker Lake, not the southern end across the dam.**

Note that we are not guides or medical professionals. You are responsible for yourself and any guests you bring. Please carry the ten essentials: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ten_Essentials