Trip
Day Hike - Lake Whatcom Park
Enjoy this newly completed 11 mile loop with sun in the forecast! Start amidst tall trees on a nicely graded trail, pop out for unobstructed views of beautiful Lake Whatcom and surrounds, dive back into the forest to finish the 2500 ft climb, then cruise down a newly built connector trail with dozens of switchbacks, thousands of ferns and massive ‘shrooms to a lovely lakeside trail passing hidden waterfalls, quiet coves and historical markers along the way.
Contacts
- Fri, Dec 15, 2023
- Foothills Hiking Committee
- Day Hiking
- Adults
- Moderate/Strenuous
- Challenging
- Mileage: 11.0
- Elevation Gain: 2,500 ft
- Pace: 2 mph
- 4 (7 capacity)
- Cancellation & Refund Policy
Meet at trailhead 10a ready to hike. Directions: From Bellingham, follow North Shore Drive to Lake Whatcom Park and choose the first parking lot available.
No parking pass required. Porta potty at trailhead.
This loop combines the Chanterelle and Hertz trails with a newly completed connector trail. Total distance 11 miles with approx 2500 gain including switchbacks and steep stairs.
Leader permission is NOT required but participants should have recent experience with comparable distance and gain maintaining 2 mph up and down. We will take short breaks as needed and a little longer for lunch. We should be off the trail well before dark, but the unexpected can happen and HEADLAMPS are required along with 10 essentials.
The new connector trail includes steep switchbacks and stairs which could be difficult for some.
Although well engineered and constructed, recent heavy rain could make the trail muddy and slippery in spots. Poles and gaiters are strongly recommended.
Required Equipment
- Navigation
- Headlamp
- Sun protection
- First aid
- Knife
- Fire
- Shelter
- Extra food
- Extra water
- Extra clothes