Our Journey To The Roof Of Africa: Pine & Cedar Lakes

Currently, Devin and I are spending a lovely weekend at Birch Bay. Having enjoyed a relaxing day yesterday where we did very little, we have decided to go on a hike somewhere in the Bellingham area. Using the magic of Google, we found a website (http://www.localhikes.com/) that has some great hikes listed. Each hike not only has details about its location, distance, difficulty and elevation gain but also includes topographic maps and photos of the trails and scenery. If you are ever looking for some good hikes in the Bellingham area, I highly recommend this site.

After contemplating what sort of hike we were in the mood for, we decided on the Pine & Cedar Lakes trail. Here is what the site had to say about it:

Highlights: Views of San Juan Islands
Near: Bellingham, WA
Distance: 5 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 1300 ft
Hike Time: 3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Trail Condition: Well maintained trail
HikeType: Out and Back

Directions to the Trailhead: From I-5 in Bellingham, take the Fairhaven exit and go west. Turn left on 12th St and follow the Chuckanut Drive (SR 11) and go south 1.3 miles and turn left on Old Samish Hwy. The trailhead will be on the right in about 2 miles. Be aware that there have been reports of vehicle break-ins here as it is close to the city. (Lat:48.6912 Lon:-122.45254)

Summary: This is an excellent work-out/conditioning trail and can be hiked year-round. The trail starts out on an old logging road. It ascends 1000 feet in the first mile. Pay attention to your route as there are lots of trails in the area and is easy to get lost on your way back out. There is a trail around Cedar Lake and campsites around both lakes. Fishing is allowed.

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Overall the trail description was accurate and Devin and I both enjoyed the hike thoroughly. There were some really great spots where we could have camped and there were definately a lot more trails were would love to go back and explore. The weather was not totally in our favour however it didn't really rain and it actually got quite sunny on our descent. Here are a few pictures from our day: