Primary Chuckanut Trails

  

Hemlock Trail

The Hemlock Trail is the main gateway into the northern part of the Chuckanuts. From the North Chuckanut Mountain Trailhead and Arroyo Park, the Hemlock Trail links to the Lost Lake trails to the south and the Pine and Cedar Lakes trails to the east. This trail will lead you to amazing views of waterfalls, mountains, Bellingham Bay, and the San Juan Islands.  

From the North Chuckanut Mountain Trailhead
Moderate, 2.7 miles round trip to Chuckanut Falls via loop
Moderate, 1.2 miles one-way to the Lost Lake Trail Junction
Moderate, 2.1 miles one-way to the Huckleberry Trail
Moderate, 2.5 miles one-way to the Salal / Huckleberry Trail Junction 
Difficult, 3.5 miles one-way to the Raptor Ridge Trail
Difficult, 4.1 miles one-way to the junction with the Pine and Cedar Lakes Trail

 

Lost Lake Trail

The Lost Lake Trail is the main access to the central portion of the Chuckanut Mountains and provides the primary link to the Larrabee State Park trails from North Chuckanut Mountain, Arroyo, and Pine and Cedar Lakes trailheads. From North Chuckanut Mountain Trailhead, hike 1.2 miles up the Hemlock Trail until you reach the North Lost Lake Trail junction. There are many opportunities from here for short and long trips on foot, bike or horse. 
 
From the North Chuckanut Mountain Trailhead
Moderate, 1.5 miles one-way to Lower Salal Trail
Moderate, 2.4 miles one-way to the Salal / Chuckanut Ridge Trail junction
Moderate, 2.9 miles one-way to the Madrone Crest Trail junction
Moderate, 3.4 miles one-way to the Raptor Ridge Trail
Moderate, 5.2 miles one-way to Lost Lake

     

Pine & Cedar Lake

Pine & Cedar Lakes Trail begins with a strenuous climb of 1,300 feet in 1.6 miles to the junction with Hemlock Trail. Continue left for 0.2 miles to a junction with a spur trail to Cedar Lake or an additional 0.3 miles to Pine Lake. The Cedar Lake spur loops around the lake and connects to a 0.5 mile hiking-only overlook trail.

Primitive tent camping sites are available along the lakeshore at both Pine Lake and Cedar Lake. All sites are first-come, first served. Practice Leave-No-Trace camping, pack out your trash, properly dispose of waste. Open fires are prohibited.

From the Pine and Cedar Lakes Trailhead
Difficult, 1.6 miles one-way to the Hemlock Trail Junction
Difficult, 2.1 miles one-way, to Pine Lake
Difficult, 2.0 miles one-way to Cedar Lake
Difficult, 2.5 miles one-way to Cedar Lake via the Overlook Trail 
    
  
Horses are prohibited on the viewpoint and lake access trails to protect sensitive shoreline areas
   

Interurban Trail

The last electric train clacked along the Interurban Railway in 1928, but the route connecting urban greenways in Bellingham's historic Fairhaven with Larrabee State Park has been a favorite with walkers, runners, bicyclists and equestrians. Views of the San Juan Islands and spur trails to mountain views, lakes and beaches entice you to linger. Whatcom County manages a portion of the trail between Arroyo Park and Larrabee State Park. 

From the North Chuckanut Mountain Trailhead
Easy, 0.2 miles up to Hemlock Trail to the Interurban Trail

 
Additional trailhead parking available on Hiline Road and Larrabee State Park

 

Secondary Chuckanut Trails

  

Madrone Crest Trail

A short loop and viewpoint option accessed from Hemlock / Salal trails or North Lost Lake Trail 

From the North Chuckanut Mountain Trailhead
Moderate, 3.6 miles one way
Moderate, 3.4 miles one-way to the viewpoint via North Lost Lake Trail

Lower Salal Trail

Rooty, Rocky, Rugged: this trail is a challenging option for hikers, runners, and cross-country mountain bikers in the northern Chuckanuts.  
 
From the North Chuckanut Mountain Trailhead
Difficult, 1.7 miles one-way to the bottom via North Lost Lake Trail
Difficult, 2.6 miles one-way to the top via North Lost Lake and Salal Trails Moderate, 3 miles one way

 

Raptor Ridge Trail

Old trees, views, cliffs, crags, streams and wetlands: Raptor Ridge is the top choice for a challenging backcountry experience.  There are a myriad of ways to get to the viewpoint overlooking Oyster Creek and Bellingham Bay.  

On foot, take the Hemlock trail from any of the trailheads and you'll find that a short, steep, winding climb will get you to the top quickly.

From the North Chuckanut Mountain Trailhead to the viewpoint:
Difficult, 3.8 miles one-way

 
Raptor Ridge via Hemlock / Huckleberry Trails or North Lost Lake Trail
From the North Chuckanut Mountain Trailhead to the viewpoint
Difficult, 3.6 miles one-way via the Hemlock / Huckleberry Trails
Difficult, 4.5 miles one-way via the North Lost Lake Trail
 

Salal Trail

Hike deep into the woods among cliffs and dense forest to see diverse ecology of the Chuckanuts. This trail is a major connector between Hemlock and North Lost Lake Trails.  
  
From the North Chuckanut Mountain Trailhead
Moderate, 2.5 miles one-way via the Hemlock Trail
Moderate, 2.4 miles one-way via the North Lost Lake Trail

 

Huckleberry Trail

These trails provide some loop options to get you off the beaten path. If you are headed to or from the Salal or Raptor Ridge trails, you can get away from the crowds and see new country on the Huckleberry Trails.   
  
From the North Chuckanut Mountain Trailhead
Moderate, 2.1 miles one-way to the Huckleberry junction via the Hemlock Trail

   

Other Chuckanut Mountain and Blanchard Forest Block Trails

The City of Bellingham, Larrabee State Park, and the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) manage many miles of trails around Whatcom County Park trails. For more information:
 
-Arroyo Park, City of Bellingham
-Larrabee State Park
-Blanchard Mountain, Department of Natural Resources
 

Other Area Trails

 

Teddy Bear Cove

A switchback trail through the forest leads to magnificent shoreline views of Chuckanut Bay and Clark's Point and an unusual white shell beach. Arrive at low tide to explore tide pool marine life, or wander paths on the bluff through a forest of Madrone and Garry Oak trees. 

From the North Chuckanut Mountain Trailhead
Moderate, 1 mile one-way