GLACIER - A new snowshoe route is being built off White Salmon Road and - coupled with one created last year - will form a new two-mile loop.
The project, located off Mount Baker Highway, is a collaboration of nonprofit Whatcom Events, REI and Mount Baker Club, a recreational group.
All three are working to establish more snowhoe routes and events in Whatcom County, they said.
The new snowshoe route will be ready for winter, according to Mel Monkelis, executive director of Whatcom Events, which puts on the annual Ski to Sea race.
The route will allow snowshoers to begin at White Salmon Road, go down to the Razor Hone Creek Recreation Bridge and come back up a different way to form a two-mile loop.
It will include a route leading from White Salmon Road to a lower trail system around Razor Hone Road that was created last year.
Volunteers are being sought for upcoming trail-brushing parties. Participants will get a chance to see underlying terrain and views that include waterfalls, old-growth forest, mountain peaks and river valleys, organizers said.
The loop is meant to provide a more challenging snowshoe outing because it's steep in parts and depends on a good snow base to travel on, unlike a trail.
"They're not an easy walk-around snowshoe trail," said Bud Hardwick, a member of the Mount Baker Club.
In that way, the loop isn't a good bet for youngsters.
"Kids might find them difficult because they're steep in places," Monkelis said.
REI donated $5,000 to the effort to put in more snowshoe trails.
IF YOU GO
What: Trail-brushing parties for a new snowshoe loop off of White Salmon Road.
When: Oct. 15 and 29; Nov. 5 and 12; and Dec. 3.
Where: Volunteers will meet at 8:15 a.m. at the Whatcom Events office, 2227 Queen St., No. 6, in Bellingham or at 9 a.m. in Maple Falls at Crossroads Grocery, corner of Mount Baker Highway and Silver Lake Road.
Details: Participants must RSVP by calling 360-746-8861 or sending an email to Info@skitosea.com so the organizers may plan for lunches.
Items provided: Lunch, water and hand tools.
