Whatcom Country Trails Welcome You
For me there is nothing much more enjoyable and thereputic than a day hike on one of Whatcom County’s many trails. This wonderful county offers more than 100 trails from the Chuckanut Mountain trails system, to Galbraith and beyond, to the many wonderful higher elevation excursions in the North Cascades foothills.
The Fall and Winter months tend to deter the more tentative outdoors people, as rain and cold weather make some trails all but unmanageable. If you are looking for an easy stroll, you can always revert to the standard favorite Lake Padden Loop. Quite honestly, this short 2.6 mile loop keeps me sane during the longer Winter months when other trails are unserviceable by snow and too much mud.
If you are looking for a more challenging trip, head east towards Mt. Baker and hike the Heliotrope Ridge Trail. This in-and-out jaunt is only 4.5 miles roundtrip, but is quite strenous due to the 2,000 foot gain in elevation. You’ll begin in an old growth forest at the trailhead but will travel upwards to enjoy one of the greatest Mt. Baker views to be had. This trail is only serviceable during the Summer and Fall months, but is well worth the drive!
If you are a mountain biker, look no further than Galbraith Mountain, said to be one of the best locations for mountain biking in the country. Since I am a novice biker, I don’t venture into this big kid’s playground, but for intermediate and advanced riders this mountain is a playground unlike any other. The massive trail system is also a superb spot for avid trail runners. Get lost a bit and romp around in the mud after a solid Fall rain. We promise you’ll return home a kid again!












