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MAP COORDS TAKE YOU TO THE TRAILHEAD WHERE YOU CAN HIKE TO THIS SITE.
The best place to camp is at Pine Lake on the peninsula. You will see a floating boardwalk that will take you left out to the campsite. These boards can sink a little below the surface after a big rain, so you might get your Gore-Tex boots wet. From here there is some good fishing.Some even pack in float tubes.
Follow I-5 south from Bellingham and get off on exit 250. Follow Old Fairhaven Parkway/SR 11 west 0.1 miles to 30th St. Turn left on 30th St and, after about a mile, left onto Old Samish Rd. Drive 1.3 miles to the trailhead parking lot on the right.
If you're coming from the south, take I-5 north to exit 246. Turn right on S Samish way and cross over the freeway, then take the first right onto Old Samish Road. Drive three miles to the trailhead parking sign on the left.
No fee to camp
No reservations
The way there is pretty much completely up hill and that being said, you can imagine the way down is all downhill. The path is well maintained, the views are beautiful, and the reprieve at the top walking around the lake is worth it. Dog friendly, might be a bit much for younger kids.
Trails were great, well marked. I went to Pine & Cedar Lakes & then went on to Raptor Ridge Lookout. Definitely worth the (basically all up hill from the trailhead) hike. Only mark against is the reputation of vehicle break-ins. Glass in the parking lot tells the tale (along with a 79 & 3/4 yr old local, John, he was great & frequently climbs the trail). Portapotty in the parking lot if needed.
great hike and great places to camp at the lake. semi difficult hike if you’re taking all your camping gear with you. about 2 mile hike to the lookout point
The Pine & Cedar Lakes trail has a long, steep ascent that requires good athletic fitness. Very scenic & serene, other than some I-5 highway noise. Parking lot at trailhead, however, is not safe due to car break-ins.
This trail is steep and not really in a fun switchback kind of way like Oyster Dome or Fragrance Lake trail. Great exercise.
It’s also relatively swampy.
