Lookout Mountain Forest Preserve

Whatcom County Parks & Recreation Survey



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Bike
Lookout Mountain Forest Preserve
Phone:                360.778.5850
Located at:         2537 Lake Louise Road
                             Bellingham, WA   
Conservation & 
Park Steward:    Reid Parker
Lookout Mountain Forest Preserve map icon 160x124

Accessed by a trailhead adjacent to Sudden Valley, Lookout Mountain Forest Preserve spans 4,430 acres on the west side of Lake Whatcom. Lookout Mountain Forest Preserve is comprised of the former Olsen Property and land reconveyed from the Department of Natural Resources to Whatcom County in the spring of 2017.  

Trail planning at Lookout Mountain Forest is now complete.  Approximately 6 miles of new foot, bike, and horse trails will be built in the summer of 2018.

Lookout Mountain Forest Preserve & Lake Whatcom Park Recreational Trail Plan

Whatcom Transit Authority provides bus service to the trailhead on the 512 line.  Visit the WTA website for more information. 

  1. Trails
  2. Rules
Currently, there are 6 miles of hiking and biking trails and 8 miles of gated forest roads available for exploration. Hike or bike on existing trails through second-growth forest, gorges, past two waterfalls, and up to a scenic overlook for a peek-a-boo view of Lake Whatcom and Bellingham.  
     
Lower Loop Trail
This one-mile loop connects the trailhead to the Lookout and Waterfall Loop Trails over gentle terrain. Hike or bike your way through a forest canopy of young Hemlock, Douglas Fir, Red Cedar, Big Leaf Maple and Alder trees. 

Waterfall Loop Trail
Two waterfalls are accessed by a short loop trail near the junction of the Lower Lookout Trail and the Waterfall Loop Trail.  

Lookout Loop Trail
This 3.6 mile loop trail begins shortly after the road crossing. The trail to the south climbs quickly up the hill on an old forest road while the North Fork meanders along a small ridge before crossing a wetland and climbing steeply on a combination of old roads and single track trail. From the upper intersection where these trails meet, a spur trail leads up through a hardwood forest to a viewpoint where you will find views of Lake Whatcom and Mount Baker.