Chuckanuts

The Chuckanut Mountains offer year round hiking opportunities for all abilities.

This page contains links to my various trip reports that start along the world famous Chuckanut Drive in Whatcom and Skagit County (Hwy 11), or other nearby trail heads. Click the text link to read the trip report and see related photos.

Alger Alp

Follow a section of the Pacific Northwest Trail through some interesting geologic formations and enjoy the all around views of the San Juans, Skagit Valley and peaks to the east from the route to Alger Alp. (Trip #137, March 19, 2011)

Bat Caves

Enjoy a visit to the popular Bat Caves below the scenic Oyster Dome. (Trip #71, June 14, 2008)

Cedar Lake

Cedar Lake offers a great workout with classic Chuckanut scenery and many detour options. (Trip #84, April 8, 2009)

Cedar Lake and Raptor Ridge

Cedar Lake and Raptor Ridge offers a longer route with an extra viewpoint and some impressive geologic formations without a lot of extra elevation gain. (Trip #128, November 10, 2008)

Clayton Beach

Clayton Beach Redemption where I found the 'real' Clayton Beach and some cool sandstone erosion (Trip #188, August 1, 2012)
Clayton Beach is located just south of Larrabee State Park and is one of Whatcom County's favorite hang outs in the summer. (Trip #161, November 21, 2011)

Fragrance Lake

Fragrance Lake is one of the most popular day hike destinations for locals and visitors to Larrabee State Park. (Trip #123, September 9, 2010)

Huckleberry Point

Huckleberry Point trail offers a tour of Chuckanut's beauty, with an optional side trip to Chuckanut Falls. (Trip #162, November 21, 2011)

Lake Samish

Located near the west end of Lake Samish, this Whatcom County Park offers a nice beach with a trail that quickly ascends a Chuckanut hillside for lake views and the potential for exploring local woodlands and logging roads.
North Lake Samish Towers (Trip #93, June 28, 2009)
North Lake Samish (Trip #86, May 3, 2009)
North Lake Samish Lunch Rock (Trip #56, November 10, 2007)
Lake Samish (Trip #38, March 4, 2007)

Lily and Lizard Lakes

Lily Lake and Oyster Dome from Samish Overlook (Trip #175, March 4, 2012)
Just to the east of Oyster Dome you can find Lily and Lizard Lakes nestled just below the high point of the Chuckanut range. (Trip #151, July 16, 2011)

North Butte

Hidden above Lizard Lake, North Butte is 'almost' the high point of the Chuckanut Mountain range.  Interconnecting trails allow you to combine this viewpoint with Oyster Dome, Lily Lake and Lizard Lake hike or overnight.
Chuckanut North Butte (Trip #169, December 31, 2011)

Samish Overlook

Generally accessibly by vehicle (although be careful if you have limited clearance), Samish Overlook offers a view of Skagit lowlands and the San Juans, plus easier access to a few hiking destinations (saving you about 400 feet of elevation gain).  Parking here requires a Discover Pass, but if you park on Chuckanut drive you can add this destination as a side trip on your way to a final destination (check out a few Bat Caves or Oyster Dome trip reports).
Samish Overlook In the snow on snowshoes... this is not normal. (Trip #171, January 17, 2012)

Oyster Dome

Oyster Dome with a little bit of a trail re-route improvement (much needed) (Trip #187, July 25, 2012)
Oyster Dome and Lily Lake from Samish Overlook (Trip #175, March 4, 2012)
Towering above the Bat Caves, Oyster Dome provides an unforgettable view of the San Juan Islands. (Trip #70, June 8, 2008)
If you have some decent route finding skills, maybe you'll find your way to the summit of Chuckanut Mountain which is just a short distance Beyond Oyster Dome to the east. (Trip #136, March 19, 2011)

Squires Lake

Squires Lake - a quick visit for an after work hike out to the beaver dam.  (Trip #190, August 15, 2012)
Part of the Pacific Northwest Trail, the Squires Lake trail offers a glimpse of a beaver dam and opportunities to wander the top of cliff bands. (Trip #49, July 8, 2007)

There are many more trails and lakes in the Chuckanut range that haven't been mentioned here, such as Lost Lake and Pine Lake.

Additionally, be sure to visit Larrabee State Park, Clark's Point and Teddy Bear Cove. All are located between Puget Sound and the Chuckanut mountains. These destinations offer a variety of opportunities for picnics, beach combing, kayaking and even camping.