Trail Overview
Loomis-Nooksack is a 7.8-mile out-and-back route that begins as a wide gravel road with intermittent potholes before narrowing considerably as it climbs into the mountains. After the intersection with Schreiber Meadows at approximately mile 3.5, the road transitions to a single-lane route with increasing signs of erosion and brush encroachment. Just beyond a bridge near mile 4.8, a partial washout narrows the road significantly and requires careful vehicle placement. Water damage and brush encroachment become more common through the upper switchbacks. A seasonal closure gate is located at the Blue Lake intersection around mile 6.8 and is typically closed from November 1 through July 1. The route ultimately ends at a washout where further travel is blocked by heavy overgrowth and a roadway that appears to have seen little use in recent years. Loomis-Nooksack is legally accessible by highway legal vehicles.
Difficulty
Loomis-Nooksack is generally an easier route featuring narrowing road conditions, erosion damage, and several areas where careful tire placement is required. The most notable obstacle is the partial washout near mile 4.8, where the road narrows substantially immediately after crossing a bridge. Drivers should also be prepared for water damage, brush encroachment, and tight switchbacks in the upper portions of the route. A small pullout near the upper washout provides one of the last opportunities to turn around, though larger vehicles may find it tight. While the route is not highly technical, the combination of exposure, narrowing road conditions, and deteriorating road quality makes it best suited for drivers comfortable with mountain roads. As with most trails in the area, bringing a chainsaw or equipment to clear fallen trees is recommended.
