With spring time comes nicer weather, and with nicer weather comes more outdoor activities! There are a lot of things I like to do outdoors, but my favorite has got to be hiking. I’m not much of a backpacking-hiker, but that’s mostly because I haven’t built up the strength or endurance for that yet, -- maybe one day. For now, I'll stick to trails I can finish within eight hours and preferably with a cute dog by my side!
1. North Butte / Lily & Lizard Lakes.
Probably my favorite hike I have done in Bellingham so far. A stunning panoramic view 2178 ft. up over the San Juan's, 6.12 miles round trip along the Lily Lake trail past the Lilly lake campgrounds. I highly recommend watching the sunset as it dips beneath downtown Bellingham.
2. Raptor Ridge Trail.
A whopping eight miles round-trip, this hike is not a short jog through the forest. I recommend those who are afraid of heights to want to sit this one out. The trail opens up on a cliff facing east away from the usual San Juan overlook, a beautiful change of scenery for those who go on a lot of hikes. Last time I hiked this with some friends, we grabbed some Jimmy Johns to eat while sitting on the rocks edge.
3. Oyster Dome.
A Bellingham classic. One of the more populous trails on a sunny day, and for good reason! This 6.5 mile hike round-trip is located just off Chuckanut Drive with an elevation gain of 1900'. The views reach across the Puget Sound out to the Olympics. I am definitely excited to to hike this trail again. Last time I witnessed a proposal and met a lot of wonderful puppers.
4. Fragrance and Lost Lakes.
Not a hike I have actually done myself, but it is definitely at the top of my list. A short 5.5 miles round trip with a total 950 ft. elevation gain. Great place for a photo-op because the lake at the top I hear does not disappoint!
5. Rock Trail.
This is a relatively new trail for me. My friends and I hiked it in the late winter right before sunset, so we turned back before we got too far in the trail. I suggest you take a look at the erosion on the cliffs, as the holes are larger than they seem. The drive to the trail-head is a long one if the gates are open; the hike is a lot longer than 2.4 miles round trip if you have to walk from the gate like we did.
6. Diablo Lake.
In the North Cascades, this 7.6 mile round-trip hike is hugely popular for its scenic glacial-lake views. I have not personally hiked this trail yet, but I will definitely be spending the day with a pupper wandering the lake's edge sometime very soon.
7. Heliotrope Ridge.
For those of you who want a better look at Mount Baker, this is a good beginners hike that's only 5.5 miles round-trip but with an elevation of 5100 ft. The views are breathtaking and I definitely suggest packing a picnic and making a fun day-trip out of this one!
8. Sugar Loaf Mountain.
If you are looking for a good overlook for photographs or a bonfire without getting all sweaty on the way up, this short 2.5 mile round-trip hike is the perfect one, with an even cuter name for your insta geo-tagging needs.
9. Teddy Bear Cove.
Probably the shortest hike I have ever done, if you can even call it that. Only 2 miles round-trip, this trail leads you down to a small beach cove along Chuckanut Drive. The perfect place to spend a chill evening around a bonfire with friends.
10. Padilla Bay.
North of Bellingham, this 4.4 mile round-trip trail is not known for its elevation gain at only 30 ft. But, this scenic walk along the bay is perfect for a Sunday afternoon on a bike or walking the dogs.
