Backpack - Baker River to Noisy Creek Camp

Our backpack started at the Baker River TH on the north end of Baker Lake (not the south end closer to the missing bridge of Anderson Creek) with maybe 20 miles of paved road driving followed by 6 miles of good quality gravel road driving to a spacious trailhead.  The trails were all well-maintained and signed, and included a solid suspension bridge over the Baker River itself.  After crossing the river, we headed back downstream, enjoying some big trees along the route and some nice bridges over side creeks.  There was one patch of meadowy brush that included some stinging nettles.  We learned that sword ferns can help with that sting.  

After maybe 5 miles of travel, we arrived at the junction that quickly took us to Noisy Creek camp.  There were two other parties in residence when we arrived, but that still left us enough room to settle in.  One other party of kayakers joined later, and then the camp was mostly full.  Camp included bear boxes and pit toilets, all the amenities, along with great views of Mt Baker.  After setting up tents and collecting water, some of us headed further south on the trail a bit, but did not get as far as Silver Creek camp.  It was getting to be supper time, and there was food to be eaten and conversation to be enjoyed.  
In the morning, before fully packing up, we took a short walk up the spur trail to see the tree known as Big Doug, quite a specimen!  And then it was time to don our packs and retrace our steps.  It was as pleasant a walk back as it had been the day before.  

Overall, we enjoyed stellar weather, minimal bugs, lots of natural history observations, great conversation, and a relaxing weekend.  To future backpackers, I would recommend to avoid the area for backpacking on Saturday night, as there were a number of backpackers heading in; I am not sure where all of them would find a spot.