Lake Whatcom Park

getting there

Take Exit 253 off of I-5 and drive 1.7 miles east on Lakeway Drive. Turn left onto Electric Avenue, drive for 1.1 miles, and turn right onto Northshore continuing when it becomes Northshore Road. In 7.2 miles turn left and continue 0.5 mile to the trailhead (350 ft).

on the trail

This park is situated on the shores of Lake Whatcom and features old growth, views, waterfalls, beaches, and coves.  Three main trails offer opportunities for hiking and biking:

Hertz Trail

6.2 miles round trip with 60 feet of elevation gain, 375 ft high point

The Hertz trail follows the shore of Lake Whatcom on the former Bellingham & Eastern Railway grade.

Chanterelle Trail

4.8 miles round trip with 1,000 feet of elevation gain, 1,315 ft high point

The Chanterelle trail heads up to a picturesque overlook with views down to the lake and out to the San Juan Islands.

stewart mountain

9 miles round trip with 2,550 feet of elevation gain, 2,900 ft high point

Follow the Wickersham Truck Trail to the summit of Stewart Mountain. Enjoy views of Mount Baker, the Twin Sisters, Lake Whatcom, the San Juan Islands, and British Columbia's Gulf Islands.

Haner Mountain

10.5 miles round trip with 2,800 feet of elevation gain, 3,100 ft high point

There are several routes to the summit: (1) the Wickersham Truck Trail, (2) the Brown Pow Trail that roughly parallels the Wickersham Trail to its left, (3) the Chanterelle Trail that roughly parallels the Wickersham Trail to its right, or (4) the Hertz Trail along the lakeshore and then steep mountain bike track.

notes

• Download a trail map from Whatcom County Parks & Recreation and keep abreast of trail construction.

• Suitable Activities: Day Hiking, Urban Walking
• Seasons: Year-round
• Weather: View weather forecast

• Difficulty: Easy, Moderate
• Length: 4.8 None
• Elevation Gain: 1,000 ft
• High Point: 1,000 ft

• Land Manager: Whatcom County Parks & Recreation
• Parking Permit Required: see Land Manager
• Recommended Party Size: 12
• Maximum Party Size: 12
• Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12