Distance: 2 miles RT, with options to connect to other trails for longer distances.
Elevation Gain: 200 feet
Season: This trail is hikeable Year-round
Maps: USGS Lake Whatcom, or find a PDF online.
Description: This sweet little hike is easily accessible from I-5 to the south of Bellingham. A short 0.3 mile climb from the parking lot leads up to the lake, and an easy trail loops around the lake. A small bridge crosses over the outlet, and the trail continues clockwise. Sounds of the freeway fade away, and bird song takes its place. Skunk cabbage populates the margins of the lake, providing fragrance to the air. You can reach the lake at several spots, and there are benches scattered around for resting. Vine maples and big-leaf maples are draped in moss, and a little creek invites exploration. A side trail heads off to Beaver Pond. We continued then around the loop, passing junctions for the South Ridge Trail and the Pacific Northwest Trail.
Directions: Drive I-5 north past Mt. Vernon and Burlington. Take Exit 242, and then drive east on Old Hwy 99. The trailhead is about 1 mile further, on the right hand side. There is room for several cars, and an outhouse.
Links: Read our Trip Report here. View the Whatcom County website about the park. Read the WTA entry.