If you're looking for a pleasant forest jaunt alongside a roaring river, this is the one for you. The trail was damp but not muddy and there were a few lingering snow-ice patches, short and easy to cross. The morning light filtering through those trees heavy with moss, was a thing of beauty. The river is the north fork of the Nooksack, very swift, with lots of big boulders and rapids. A photographer's dream.
The trail is in the Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forest but is a much shorter drive from Maple Ridge than say, the Joffre Lakes or Whistler! It's located on hwy 542. Just follow the signs to Mt. Baker after passing through Sumas. The trailhead is about 2 miles past the little town of Glacier. Look for the Douglas Fir Campground sign on the left - the trail is across the road on the right.
A Northwest Forest day pass is usually needed but, stopping at the Glacier Public Service Center (also on hwy 542, just past Glacier) to purchase one I noticed a sign on the ticket kiosk. A pass is not needed during the winter for most of the trails, including Horseshoe Bend. So, just a few days left before spring hits for free parking. Otherwise, the fee is $5 American funds. Credit cards can be used at the kiosk.
One further tidbit: Graham's store in Glacier has good ice cream.