8 hours in Bellingham...what to do

All of Markharf's description is exactly accurate, except there is no need for an ice axe, the steep snow traverse that sometimes exists is not present this year. Pack light but either have plenty of water or a filter, there is a lots of snow melt running.

I assume Bob will post a TR with some pictures, but here's what we found yesterday:

The first decent patch is an 800' run just beyond the "hairpin" turn in the trail. This is perhaps 2 hours walk. From the TH, walk SW along Table Mountain to the marked junction with wooden signs. Turn left (south) to go down and then along Ptarmigan Ridge. Where the trail crosses some snow patches, it is easy to follow the hoof prints and rejoin the trail. Try to avoid heather stomping, you can do this entire trip on a real trail.

You get to a point where you see a snow field going off to your right (northwest), and it is tempting, but does not amount to much (on better snow years you can ski a long way on the NW side of Coleman Pinnacle, but not this year). Instead, stay on the trail that is now on the southeast side of Ptarmigan Ridge. Cross a snow patch that yields a 250' run, but don't ski it (except maybe on the way back). Instead, cross over the ridge (the "hairpin") and walk farther until you get to an obviously much larger snow slope pretty much directly below Coleman Pinnacle (the sharp pointy thing above you to the right).

From your point of entry, this run goes about 450' up and 350' down, the lower part is steep and fun. That's current conditions. With the continuing brutal meltout there is no telling what there will be in a week.

Hope that helps,

well thank you for the info. Sounds like a doable plan. Now when you say 2 hours are you talking brisk pace? or 60 year old, there for the scenery, pace? Or more whats the approx mileage you figure to get to the snow field? Do appreciate the info and hopefully can see a pic or two form your last trip on sat. if not, i got nothing better to do than haul ski's up a trail and pray for snow

I would say that's two hours not flying but definitely not dawdling.

Regardless of whether you ski, if you have 10 hours, then any of the trails at or near Artist Point are worth it because it is ridiculously scenic on a nice day. See the link to Lee's pictures on the trip report, and also Bob meanwhile has posted some great ones at www.new.facebook.com/album.php?aid=98233&id=671676794

Also, the hikes (not skiing) of yellow aster butte, and points north of 542 are beautiful in their own right, as well as Hannegan Pass to Ruth Mountain just north of mt. shuksan.

I'll second the Yellow Aster Butte hike (it's really beautiful!), but we were just there on Saturday and the black flies are out in force on that trail right now...well, most trails in the trees/brush really, but that one seemed particularly awful!  Maybe they'll be a little better by next weekend.  We retreated to the relative serenity of Artist Point and the Ptarmigan Ridge trail since it was out of the trees and had a nice breeze to keep the bugs at bay. Just had loads of tourons to contend with.  If you're going to drive all the way up there though, may as well bring your skis with you.

We hiked Excelsior Peak on Sunday.  Seemed slightly less buggy than YAB.  You can start right off of 542 for a 4000 ft climb (12mi RT I think), or drive a FS road about 15 miles in and lessen your ascent to 1500ft and ~6mi RT.  Either way, it's a lovely, meadowy little mountain with spectacular views and beautiful wild flowers.