Since we've been carless for about a year (an interesting experiment), we Ubered to the South Lost Lake TH this morning. We weren't sure which route we'd take out of the numerous possibilities available, but decided to hike up to a favorite viewpoint and bench-spot on Lower Chuckanut Ridge. Route: Lost Lake TH to Fragrance Lake turn-off>side trail up to Cleator Road>Northwest on Cleator to the turn off for Lower Chuckanut Ridge>onward to the viewpoint and bench. There's an excellent, shaded view of Lummi Island and the San Juans from here and a comfortable bench. After lunch, we went back the way we came. On disovering that the Uber ride back to town would cost nearly 40 bucks (gak!), we decided to walk down the Interurban, which hooks up near the parking lot up right there, and walk to Arroyo--about 3.5 miles along the bike/walking path. Saved over 50% that way and got to enjoy the gorgeous day more.

RT was about 11.5 miles total. Very pleasant, mostly shaded. Restrooms are at the TH, clean and stocked. Plenty of parking this today, lot nearly empty at 8:40 when we set out. Discover Pass needed. Wildflowers were buttercups, foxglove, daisies, Herb Robert, and cow parsnip.

Take care and warm wishes, All :-)

We had time for a short half-day, having gotten off Lummi Island ~12:30 and needing to get back to Seattle by dark. Some online snooping suggested that venturing up Cleator Road and stringing together some hike in the Chuckanut Park (Whatcom Co.) - Larrabee (WA State) park complex would be good for our souls and gentle on our aging knees. We parked midway up Cleator, at the Lower Ridge trailhead. 15-20 min later we were already rewarded with "The Bench" that received much love in another trip report from the following day.

Reaching the ridge, we were surprised to discover it falls off steeply on both sides, not just the expected western (coast) slope. Not sure what geological wonder had caused the cliffs on the east, but the views from that ridge might be the Chuckanut's best-kept secret. We walked part of the way with an inspiring free-spirit mom and her toddler, who camped car-free at Larrabee for several nights. She was planning to eventually return to camp via the Interurban Trail.

The opposite surprise awaited us at the "Madrone Crest Viewpoint", which features prominently in the Whatcom Co. park map, and on the ground in trail signs. There is absolutely no view from that dead-end; the same map shows precisely zero viewpoint icons on the Lower Ridge Trail, where literally every step has more views than from the the "Madrone Crest Viewpoint" :) 

Perhaps this is a conspiracy with mosquitoes and gnats, which descended upon us en masse the moment we got there. The only upside to this detour was unbelievable amounts of ripe salmonberries on the "Madrone Crest Trail" below that "Viewpoint", a trail that (par for the course I guess) - actually runs along a valley. They were also the sweetest salmonberries I have tasted.

After completing a bug-infested looplet of the Salal, "Madrone Crest", and the north part of North Lost Lake trails, we lollypopped our way back up, then down, the Lower Ridge trail, this time appreciating and savoring the immense views even more. We also had some fun with Google Large Language Model (LLM) powered "AI Overview" image search, which insisted on mis-identifying the very clear image of Mt. Baker.

All in all the hike was 5-5.5 miles. We probably gained/lost well over 1000ft in the various uphills and downhills along the trail. Next time in this parts, we'll try the Raptor Ridge for additional views.

Trail is very steep to begin and in places thereafter.  Beautiful trees, flowers and ferns everywhere.  Great lookout points to view Baker, Twins and N Cascades! Worth the incline challenge!

Arrvied to Chuckanut Mountain trailhead this morning around 0800. There were only a few cars in the lot. The road is paved the entire way, but the parking area is gravel. One porta-potty, that was actually really clean and stocked with TP and sanitizer. 

This trail starts climbing right away. Within the first couple minutes of the hike, there are two large downed trees crossing the trail that require maneuvering over.

There are multiple different trails within this area, so it's kind of a pick your own adventure. The trail continued to go up and up until about 2 miles in, when there were more flat spots. We continued up to Raptor Ridge and had lunch there. The sun was out, but views of Baker were too hazy. 

Lots of little bugs out, especially in the marshy areas. Coming down, we saw lots of dogs, hikers and trail runners. The parking lots was full out to the main road. 

We ended up hiking just shy of 5.5 miles and climbing about 1800' of elevation gain. 

First time to Larrabee State Park. I didn't know it was Washington's first State Park, 1915! 

We parked in the main lot by the amphitheater etc. I don't see a Trail specifically for the ones that go under the train tracks and off towards the water? It was great being there during the week in the winter. I'd guess this area is swamped with visitors in the summer months. Nice layout for campers and day visitors.

Surprise! We ran into 2 nude bathers in the water. We explored all of the trails that went up on the ridges. Excellent views of the San Juan Islands.

On another section of the trail we ran into 3 serious photographers (huge lenses, tripods.) Also 2 people crabbing on the second outcropping of stones. They were having a good ole time, laughing and crabbing, one unintentionally mooning whomever came upon them.

Is there a reason there is no trail for this area, WTA?

1.2 miles of wander. The views off of Chuckanut Drive are outstanding!