Pine and Cedar Lakes — Saturday, Dec. 3, 2005

Puget Sound and Islands > Bellingham Area

I hiked up to Pine and Cedar Lakes today from the official trailhead. The trail is labeled as strenuous, and strenuous it is. Trail was mostly snow-free for the first 1.5 miles or so with only scattered patches on the trail. Once the junction with the Hemlock Trail was reached, the trail became much more slippery with compacted snow and ice on the trail for most of the way to the lakes. The first viewpoint at Cedar Lake was a waste of time, but the second viewpoint farther away from the lake is well worth the extra 1200' hike to get there with excellent views of the snow-covered mountains. Pine Lake was completely frozen over and quite serene. There was a few trees blown down on the trail, but nothing major. The trail overall is in perfect condition. Great hike!