Nooksack Falls and Big Tree Grove on Highway 542
On a rainy day, I took the girls on a drive up Highway 542 toward Mount Baker. I knew that we wouldn't be able to spend a lot of time out of the car, because the rain was coming down much too steadily for a long adventure.
We stopped at the Ranger Station, trying to find some short things to do. I was very interested in the big tree grove they described and the girls were excited about the falls.
We headed first to the trees, which were described as- two pullouts on the North side of Highway 542 between mile markers 43 and 44. There are some trails at both pullouts, though they are not serviced trails by the forest service. They are legitimate boot paths that lead to some very large trees.
We didn't spend too much time exploring the trees because the rain was just past the point of annoyance. Also, the girls knew that we were headed next to see Nooksack Waterfall and their excitement was greater for the next adventure.
Directions off of Highway 542 were easy to follow to a parking lot just before a bridge over Nooksack River. A trailhead style sign explained the area, and the falls are less than forty yards from there.
Fences in the area provide safety from the large cliff and are also to ward off explores wanting to venture further. This region of the Nooksack River is surrounded by the Nooksack Falls Hydroelectric Plant which has been in operation since 1906.
These two locations were a perfect recommendation for easy stops on a rainy day.
