It’s Winter! Let’s Play in the Snow
February is the shortest month of the year. It’s also the best month to play in the snow. If you live near Mt. Baker, February can be the best month for snowy adventures. By now, the Mt. Baker Ski Area usually has developed an excellent base for skiing and riding snowboards, and the cold air keeps the snow from developing that mashed potato quality that makes for a less fun outing. Also, this month, the water on Picture Lake will be frozen thick enough to allow for sledding. It can be fun to drive up to Mt. Baker, climb up the snow around Picture Lake, and take a sled ride down the slope into the bowl created by snowplows and the frozen lake. For those who prefer cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, the Salmon Ridge SnoPark usually has enough snow for the groomer to come out and keep the trails neat. Salmon Ridge is located on Mt. Baker Highway just east of Hannegan Pass Road (FS Road 32) and across the highway from Silver Fir Campground. The Nooksack Nordic Ski Club, a local nonprofit, helps to maintain these trails, and you might find their ambassadors out there who will let you try out gear and sell you a permit to park in the lot.
If we’re fortunate, we’ll have snow in Glacier, Maple Falls, and the Columbia Valley neighborhoods. If we do, Maple Falls Park is a great place to ride that new sled you purchased. It’s a short walk or drive to Mt. Baker Highway and Silver Lake Road. The Park is on Second Street, you’ll see the sign from Silver Lake Road. Initially, this was the home of the Maple Falls School, now, it’s a community park owned by Whatcom County Parks and Rec. and maintained by an intrepid group of local neighbors. The park has a hill from where the school was down to the field below. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not a huge hill, but it’s a great ride, and there’s no need to worry about trees, traffic, or other obstacles at the bottom. As a bonus, climbing back up the hill makes it easy to take another ride.
Many people get excited when the snow starts to fall, but I don’t. My favorite winter sport is hot cocoa. I can find an excellent cup for sale in Glacier or make some at home.
If you want more ideas for fun activities during February, stop by the Mt. Baker Visitor Center in Maple Falls Town Hall. Sonya and I would be delighted to give you some great options. 360-599-1518 mtbakervisitorcenter@gmail.com