Bellingham

.....Chuckanut and Blanchard MountainsTrail System....

Descriptions of the Trail

It’s not difficult to see why the Interurban Trail is one of the most popular trails in Bellingham. Varying terrain and ecosystems appeal to hikers, runners, bikers and walkers. The trailhead begins at Old Fairhaven Parkway (or Fairhaven Park) and snakes through the woods along the western slope of Chuckanut Mountain for roughly six miles. There are access points to the trail at various locations for those who wish to experience only portions of the trail.

The trail is well groomed and flat -- the remains of an old rail transit system with fine crushed gravel that can accommodate several hikers walking abreast. The Interurban then breaks out on Old Samish Road, which connects Lake Samish with Chuckanut Drive. On the other side of the road is Arroyo Park. You can then pick up the trail again a short distance away on California Street. This part of the trail continues on the side of the mountain above Chuckanut Drive for another 4 miles to Larrabee State Park. From here, there are also intersections with the North Chuckanut Mountain Trail, the Teddy Bear Cove Trail and the Fragrance and Lost lakes trail.

The first mile of the trail winds through wetlands filled with birds and flowering plants springing out of the brackish water. The next section of trail transitions into the cool canopy of evergreens, the forest floor populated with scattered sword ferns. As the hiker continues on towards the trail’s terminus at Larrabee, occasional breaks in the trees offer a view of Puget Sound. The spectacular vistas of the San Juan Islands is perhaps the highest recommendation for the Interurban Trail -- a must see on a summer sunset.

***Important improvements to the north section of trail***

****MAP***

....Pine and Cedar Lakes....

A steep climb starts off this hike right out of the parking lot. The slope eases off as you near the top, and once you arrive the views of the San Juans and the pristine lakes are well worth the effort. It's a great location to spend the afternoon picnicking or stay the night at one of the designated camp sites.

From the Arroyo Park parking lot (if approaching this trail from the Interurban trail, continue to go down to the creek, cross the bridge and head up to the Lost Lake trailhead (this is the well-marked intersection at the top of the switchbacks in Arroyo Park). Stay on the Hemlock trail, stay to the left at the Lost Lake trail and North Lost Lake trail, a mile or so later is the Raptor Ridge turn off is to the right, a mile after that you will reach Cedar and Pine Lakes.

****MAP***

....Hemlock Trail and Raptor Ridge....

The Hemlock Trail is the major connector for almost all of the trails on Chuckanut Ridge. A very wide and steep trail, it is a great trail to head up with a group of friends on foot, bike or horse.

Raptor Ridge boasts stunning views of the Oyster Creek watershed atop an exposed granite dome. A personal favorite with the authors, the journey up the trail is almost as beautiful as the view from the top. It is a steep climb, but the trail winds through an amazing forest ecosystem that will make you forget how hard you're working.

From the Arroyo Park parking lot (if approaching this trail from the Interurban trail, continue past ------street and) go down to the creek, cross the bridge and head up to the Lost Lake trailhead (this is the well-marked intersection at the top of the switchbacks in Arroyo Park). From the Lost Lake sign, turn left and follow as the trail climbs quickly. Soon the grade levels out and eventually switchbacks to the right up a wide shoulder and connects with an old logging road. Go left.

Just ahead, at 3.2 miles, go straight at a signed intersection. (You’re now on the Hemlock Trail.) After about a third of a mile, begin climbing fairly steadily. At 4.3 miles continue straight at an intersection with the Salal Trail, following the sign for Raptor Ridge. The trail soon narrows down to single track, starts climbing some more and becomes more rugged and technical. Just after entering an older section of forest, reach the intersection with the Raptor Ridge Trail at 5.3 miles.

One-third mile-long Raptor Ridge climbs through boulders and dense, almost cave-like forest to a rock outcropping, 5.6 miles. Return the same way.

A short, steep, winding climb through wetlands and craggy rock outcrops will bring you to a fabulous view atop Raptor Ridge. From the North Chuckanut Mountain Trailhead, hike 3.4 miles up Hemlock Trail to where the 0.4-mile Raptor Ridge Trail begins. From the Pine & Cedar Lakes Trailhead on Old Samish Road, hike 1.7 miles up the Pine & Cedar Trail until you reach the Hemlock Trail intersection. Hike down Hemlock Trail for 0.6 miles to where Raptor Ridge Trail begins.

****MAP***

....Fragrance Lake....

This incredibly popular, easily accessible trail passes through a deep forest that makes for a pleasant family outing or a burly trail run. Take a breather on any of the perfectly placed benches along the switch-backs on the way up the trail. Once at the top, you can loop around the lake and descend from the backside going using the Two-Dollar trail that will take you to Lower Cleator Road or an old logging road that will take you to the Clayton Beach parking lot.

At the Fragrance Lake trailhead on Chuckanut, the path quickly bisects the interurban trail so proceed directly across it. Wooded gates at intervals make this a Hikers Only, No Bicycles’ hike. It’s a 1.8 mile hike up to the lake through shaded forest.

Go right at the fork when a peek of Fragrance Lake is in sight. You’ll come upon hand hewn benches and a small flattening of land that offers prime viewing of the clean, clear lake and textured woodlands surrounding it.

Little Chinscraper (from Fragrance Lake Trail)
At the bike barricade at, run right and right again when you reach an open (a former parking lot). Run downhill for a couple hundred yards and turn left at a gated road. The easy-to-miss trailhead is just ahead on the left at a Gate Ahead sign (that’s facing the other way).

Fondly referred to as the Little Chinscraper, this trail climbs 850 feet in 0.9 miles. It’s ridiculously steep, rocky and root-strewn which means it’s beloved by mountain bikers who love to come screaming down it.

At the top, you've made it to the highest point on Chuckanut Mountain at 1,940 feet! The trail continues on, descending about 50 yards then opens out into the Cyrus Gates Overlook parking lot, at the end Cleator Road. (Follow Cleator Road down for 3.6 miles to the Interurban Trail.)

****MAP***

....Chuckanut Ridge....

One of most popular trails amongst trail runners, Chuckanut Ridge offers excellent views and stunning exposure. Most of this trail is windy, steep and narrow, making it great fun for the beginning or experienced trail runner.

Approach this trail by running out the Interurban to Cleator Road. Make a turn from the Inerurban, up Cleator Road. Run south (UP) Cleator Road almost to the end (or drive....). At the Lost Lake Overlook sign, run left and enter the thick woods and Chuckanut Ridge zone.

Over the next 2.3 miles, the narrow but easy-to-follow, rock- and root-studded trail snakes along Chuckanut Mountain's spine, at times offering great views of Mount Baker and the Twin Sisters. Caution: Ridge Trail runs along the top of a 200-foot-high sandstone cliff and some stretches are perilously close the edge so unless you’re the one human being with the ability to fly, don’t bear too far to the right.

Continue north climbing rocky and rooty stretches with hands as well as feet, down climbing backwards at others. Enjoy. Have fun. Get dirty. At about 3.8 miles go left on an unsigned trail that’s easy to follow. (If you continue straight—north—you’ll hit the connector trail to the Lost Lake Trail in another three-quarters of a mile.)

This is the West Spur Chuckanut Ridge Trail. After at first dropping quickly, the forested trail levels out and leads back to Cleator Road—across from where you parked in a little less than a mile. Total mileage: 4.7 miles.

This trail can also be approached via Arroy Park. From the Arroyo Park parking lot (if approaching this trail from the Interurban trail, continue past ------street and) go down to the creek, cross the bridge and head up to the Lost Lake trailhead (this is the well-marked intersection at the top of the switchbacks in Arroyo Park). From the Lost Lake sign, turn left and follow as the trail climbs quickly. Follow the signs that will streer you to the Ridge trail.

****MAP***

....Salal Trail....

Another major connector in the Chuckanut trail system, the Salal trail will take you from the Hemlock Trail to the Upper Chuckanut Ridge Trail. It traverses through a beautiful, lush forest and is another personal favorite of the authors because it is not heavily used. You may even be the only one up there all day!

Hike deep into the woods among cliffs and dense forest to see Chuckanut´s diverse ecosystem. Major connector between Hemlock & North Lost Lake Trails. Madrone Crest has a great viewpoint looking out towards Mt. Baker that connects to Salal Trail.

From North Chuckanut Mountain Trailhead, hike 2.3 miles up Hemlock Trail to find the beginning of the 0.7-mile long Salal Trail. North Lost Lake Trail also connects to Salal Trail.

....Lost Lake....

The Lost Lake is another great hike to get out and experience the Chuckanut wilderness, amazing views, and secluded lakes. From the Arroyo Park parking lot, go down to the creek, cross the bridge and head up to the Lost Lake trailhead (this is the well-marked intersection at the top of the switchbacks in Arroyo Park). From the Lost Lake sign, turn left and follow as the trail climbs quickly. Additionally from North Chuckanut Mountain Trailhead, hike 1.2 miles up Hemlock Trail until you reach the North Lost Lake Trail intersection. Hike 3.4 miles to reach North Lost Lake. This trail is a main north / south route in the Chuckanut Mountain trail system.
****MAP***

....Oyster Dome....

The Oyster Dome on Blanchard Mountain is one the most spectacular vistas south of Bellingham. Perched on top of a huge granite dome, the Oyster Dome will take your breath away. Well worth the hike, rain or shine, be sure to take a lunch or snacks, because once you're up there you're going to want to stay and enjoy the view.

Chuckanut Drive Trailhead

You will know that you are on the right trail when you read the signs informing you that the Rocky Mountains are 883 trail miles to the east, the Pacific Ocean 223 trail miles west, start climbing steeply relentlessly, switchbackingly, and sweatfully. At 1.0 mile, reach a clear-cut area that pays with the first of the island and water views. In a little more than a half-mile, continue straight at an intersection with a somewhat confusing sign.

You’re now on the Samish Connector Trail, which is a bit primitive. Cross some creeks, climb some more and continue straight at another intersection. At 2.3 miles, spot the giant boulder with nearby Ice Age interpretive sign.

Climb some more and in a few hundred yards turn go left at the sign for Talus Trail. Just after crossing a stream, find yourself in a massive jumble of boulders—the Bat Caves. For great views, make for the top of that 300-foot rock wall.

To do so, head back out and go left at the Talus Trail sign. In another quarter-mile, go left on the signed Rock Trail. The top of the Dome is about a half-mile up ahead at 3.5 miles. Views are mega- all-that-is-good—the Olympics, the islands, the Sound, etc. Return the same way.

Hang Glider Launch Site Trailhead-Samish Overlook

Find the PNT sign and just beyond it, a trail heading north. Quickly drop about 300 in the first quarter-mile down the Larry Reed Trail and pass through a clear-cut area. Bear right at an intersection with another trail. (The trail described above.) You're now on the Samish Bay Connection Trail.

Traverse the side of a hill and continue straight at another intersection. At about 1.5 miles, start climbing steeply and roughly on somewhat primitive trail. Continue past the giant boulder and the Ice Age interpretive sign and continue uphill. To visit the Bat Caves, go left at the Talus Trail sign; to get to the top, continue straight.

In another quarter-mile, run left on the signed Rock Trail. The top of the Dome is about a half-mile up ahead at 2.3 miles. Views are the Olympics, the islands, the Sound, etc.

****MAP***

....Lily and Lizard Lakes....

A good view of Mount Baker will start you off on this hike up Blanchard Mountain. Two quiet lakes nestled in dense forest wait at the top. Much of the moderate trail covers old logging roads and railroad ties, making the terrain somewhat easy.

From the second trailhead on the east flank of Blanchard Mountain on Barrel Springs Road, follow the well maintained and signed trail. Travel the trail, passing the junction at 1.5 miles which is Max's Shortcut and will take you to the PNT. At 3.3 miles you will reach a sign directing you to Lily Lake on the left and Lizard Lake on the right. It is about a half a mile to Lily Lake and a mile to Lizard Lake. It is possible to reach the Oyster Dome from this point.

****MAP***