The Pacific Northwest is famous for its beautiful hikes, panoramic views and mountain ranges. Those who live in or near Bellingham are lucky to be nestled so close to the stunning Northern Cascades. Below are eight of many options for those aching to get outside and explore Bellingham and Mt. Baker this autumn, some of which can be hiked all year round!
1. Yellow Aster Butte.
Difficulty: Hard.
Popularity: High.
Yellow Aster Butte is a great example of the phrase, “good things come to those who work their asses off.” Located in the Mt. Baker wilderness of Washington, this hike provides views into Canada along with sweeping colorful meadows, making it a popular camping destination. Be sure to arrive early if you intend to stay the night.
Come autumn, you’ll have your breath taken away by the beautiful reds, yellows, and oranges, making it well worth the 2,550-foot elevation gain.
2. Chuckanut Mountain and Larrabee State Park Trails.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate.
Popularity: High.
Fragrance Lake, the Pine and Cedar Lakes, Raptor Ridge, and Chuckanut Mountain are perfect day hikes, conveniently located right outside Fairhaven. However, on any nice weekend day you’ll find these hikes filled with people, so get an early start!
3. Skyline Divide.
Difficulty: Moderate to hard.
Popularity: Relatively low.
See Yellow Aster Butte and Shuksan to the east and the North Cascades in the distance. To the south are the Black Buttes. The views are panoramic, with viewpoints leading you all the way up and down the nine-mile round-trip hike.
4. Gothic Basin.
Difficulty: Very difficult.
Popularity: Low.
According to WTA, “Day hikers will wish they’d brought their tents and bags and the backpackers will ache from shouldering the load. But neither will be disappointed.” At 9.2 miles with a 2840 foot elevation gain, this hike is definitely not easy. But, there’s no hurry, stunning peaks greet you all the way up to Gothic Lake. Take your time to enjoy the views.
5. Oyster Dome.
Difficulty: Moderate.
Popularity: High.
This 5-mile round-trip hike never disappoints, making it one of the most popular hiking destinations among Western students and Bellingham residents. At the top, you’ll find sweeping views of the Skagit River flats, Lummi Island and Orcas Island, and Samish Bay.
6. Artist Point/Table Mountain/Chain Lakes.
Difficulty: Easy
Popularity: Easy.
Artist Point is a competitor for the best viewpoint in Washington state any time of year -- camp in the summer and snowshoe in the winter. Just an hour to two hour drive down Mt. Baker Highway and you’ll find yourself at the trailhead for this easy-to-moderate four-mile hike.
Want more? Lengthen your journey by continuing to Table Mountain or the Chain Lakes Loop. Dipping your feet into blissful blue mountain water will surely be worth the additional few miles.
7. Damfino Lakes/The High Divide/Excelsior Peak.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate.
Popularity: Medium to high.
Three trail routes to the same destination: a 360-degree view within the North Cascades. You’ll pass the Damfino Lakes first, then the High Divide, eventually leading up to the top of Excelsior Peak. This mountain loop is a trip of 6.4 miles, leaving you plenty of time for exploring.
8. Heliotrope Glacier.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate.
Popularity: Medium.Heliotrope Glacier/Heliotrope Ridge is one of those hikes that keeps you in awe from beginning to end. Beautiful viewpoints and several rushing waterfalls lead to you 5.5 miles all the way to the glacier, a sight that will never disappoint. Plus, you can see Whistler Blackcomb from afar!
Both Western Washington University students and Bellinghamsters are blessed to live in an area so diverse in landscapes and scenery. As you return to campus in the fall, be sure to get out and explore!
