Roosevelt Elk Calves Navigate Chuckanut Ridge

The Roosevelt Elk Calves braved the drive up Cleator Road to meet the mentors at the Lower Chuckanut Ridge Trail Head. Although we were originally planning on traversing from Chuckanut Ridge down into Arroyo Park a couple of weeks ago, we had to reschedule due to strong winds. Driving up the road it was clear we had made the right decision as tree limbs scattered the side of the road, and once getting further into our hike the carnage in the forest was rather impressive to witness. However, before we could get going we needed to have an opening circle.

Gathering for opening circle

Although there were a handful of Roosevelt Elk Calves present for our outing, we were missing a good portion of our group as the newly opened ski area and fresh snow was too much to resist, and understandably so. That being said, when there is a vacuum created that space is inevitably filled and the mentors were happy to see those who were present fill the void with their voices and energy. It just so happened that the majority of our more boisterous Elk Calves were absent and the opportunity was not passed by for the remaining Elk Calves to speak up, engage in our lessons, and get a little goofy.

Inspecting a tiny mushroom

Our focus for the day was the Art of Navigation. We began with a discussion on navigation, what it means to use your “internal compass”, and heard an incredible story of a thirteen year old girl who was charged with navigating her families camel caravan hundreds of miles through the desert in search of a well that was merely one-meter in diameter. Thinking about all the ways we can navigate, especially when without map and compass, the group pointed out that we could use the landscape, the sun, and other natural phenomena paired with local knowledge to find our way around. Talking about it is one thing, but doing it is another.

Gazing to the West and the San Juan Islands

Hitting the trail we meandered a mile up to the Chuckanut Ridge Trail stopping from time to time to investigate natural history mysteries, let the mentors elaborate on teachable moments (Western Hemlock for kindling bundles, tracking widow makers in the canopy), and even peer out across the San Juan Islands at a view point. Things were pretty easy until we hit our first trail junction and had to figure out which way to go. It took a little bit of guidance from the mentors but this group quickly caught on, looking at the signage, orienting to the landscape, and determining the position of the sun we determined which way was North and headed out.

Trying to figure out which way to go on Chuckanut Ridge

 Cruising along the ridgeline we were met with multiple viewpoints East to the Cascades and North into Bellingham. Although the views were incredible, the wind really picked up and the heat loss from convection forced us to carry on. Dropping down onto Lost Lake Trail, there was a checkpoint with a map for us to utilize in making our next decision. While perusing the map and orienting ourselves, we were interrupted by the clomping hooves of two horses and their owners who stopped to say hello. After petting the horses and feeding them a few treats provided by their owners we said our goodbyes, took on last chance to internalize the information on the map, and got back on the trail.

Looking out to the East and the Cascades

Descending down towards Arroyo Park the Roosevelt Elk Calves demonstrated a keen memory and ability to overlay their knowledge gleaned from the map onto the landscape. Remembering distances, number of junctions, and proper direction to take, we quickly navigated multiple intersections and were down near Arroyo in no time. With our outing nearing its end we had to decide whether to explore Padden Creek or try and squeeze in a game or two. Circling up the group collaborated, compromised, and arrived at a consensus just like they’ve been taught to over the years. It was great to see some quieter voices step into leadership roles and help us decide to head back early and try and play a couple games along the way.

Checking out the trail map and orienting ourselves

Getting to our final destination of N. Chuckanut Mountain Trail Head was a big accomplishment. With little to no direction from mentors or use of a compass, this small group of Roosevelt Elk Calves navigated nearly four miles of twisting, turning trails through the Chuckanuts. Not only did we exercise our ability to navigate, but learned about various tree species, discovered a multitude of unique fungi, and met a variety of friendly, human and non-human, passersby along the way. The unique circumstances of the day; a traverse outing with a small group, allowed for an environment that fostered a strong level of group cohesion, plentiful focus for natural history lessons, and an energy of positivity that made the miles fly by. This was a really fun outing for Explorers and mentors alike and although we look forward to seeing the rest of the group on our next outing, this was a great day that won’t be forgotten anytime soon.

Check out the rest of our photos from the outing here!