The B2B promises to be one
of the most unique trails in the country … eventually. The
developing project lies on former railroad beds; unfortunately,many
defunct Washington rail corridors (including a huge proportion of
the B2B route) have reverted back to private ownership, which
greatly complicates trail efforts. But hope springs eternal and the
decades-old dream that first imagined the B2B survives with undying
energy, dogged persistence, and noteworthy gains, even if with
relatively little money.
Just a glance at the map
will not only give one a picture of the proposed B2B and its
progress to date, but it also illustrates the possibility of tying
the B2B to Ferndale (and beyond?) from Everson through Lynden on a
Nooksack River dike trail, and that's enough to make WashDOT and
trail planners salivate. Anyway, back to reality ... the actual progress and
imminent projects are as follows:
- Bellingham recently
completed the B2B’s westernmost 1.4 miles (in green on the
above map).
Bellingham B2B Description and Map.
- The Mt. Baker Club has adopted a
7.5 mile stretch of the B2B (between Maple Falls and Glacier) as a
signature project (in blue on the above map). Um, yes, they'd love
new members and trail volunteers. You?
- WashDOT is in the midst
of completing a $7M replacement Mt. Baker Highway bridge over
Boulder Creek (the B2B is adjacent to the highway at that
point)that includes a barrier-protected bike and pedestrian
path.
WashDOT Project Page -
Pic of new bridge under construction (note the trail section on
the left).
- Informed sources also
indicate that WashDOT is tentatively planning to install a Mt.
Baker Highway underpass at Mile Post 28 (near the Inn at Mt. Baker
B&B) to permit B2B users to safely cross under the
highway.
- Back in the intervening
lowlands, Everson acquired just over a mile of abandoned
right-of-way some years ago and has just recently completed trail
improvements from old Millerton (Mission Road at Chestnut Street)
up past Strandell (to Lincoln Street), a segment also in green on
the above map.
- On Everson's horizon, the
developer of a new north-side housing subdivision has indicated
intentions to complete a further section of the B2B trail on the
abandoned RR/RW adjoining its development (extending the B2B from
N. Harkness Street to the Northerly City Limits).
The B2B backers are
looking for a recognizable logo in order to develop publicity
branding for their continuing campaign. A big step towards that
goal has been taken with a community-wide logo contest--the entries
have been received and are awaiting selection. You can take a look
at the submittals here: B2B Logo
Entries.
Meanwhile, as the B2B
backers toil to fill in the gaps, let's take a peek at and
experience a section under development.
NO ANDS IFS OR BUTS, PARK AT THE DESIGNATED PARKING
COORDS.
You are looking for a camoed 6x6x6 flare container.
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As my contribution to help
America combat obesity, I suggest you take the time to explore more
of the Glacier segment of the trail while you are out there. Be
sure to help make the trail experience a fun time for everyone by
honoring standard trail courtesy.
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I (Teese) am a member of the Washington State
Geocaching Association. If you are a geocacher in this state,
please consider joining the WSGA . . . it's a great way to meet
other cachers, access caching resources, and improve the
sport.
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