Headed out from the Bothell area around 6AM, and reached the trail head at approximately 7:15 AM. The drive was extremely beautiful as the sun rose over the Cascades and the valleys were dotted with morning fog. Once we excited I5 and took Chuckanut Drive it was even more beautiful, and the winding road was a lot of fun. Very few hikers/cars in the small parking lot when we arrived, so we had the start of the trail to ourselves. It was pretty easy going at first, but our heart rates got pumping on the switch backs (especially since this was our first hike of the season). Josh was constantly pestered by flies and/or nats, so he kept his sweatshirt and hood up most of the walk. I took off my over shirt about half way up.

On the way up we ignored the detour to the view point, deciding to wait for our return trip. Didn't really see anyone on the way up. Once we reached the lake the sun was starting to penetrate the trees and the air was warming up.

The bugs upon reaching the lake were unbearable and the lake certainly had a 'fragrance' to it, but as we made our way around the loop the bugs seemed to thin out. Due to the bug problem we decided to eat and walk, instead of stopping for a break. This confused Emily a great deal, and she got into an annoying habit of turning around and looking at us every few seconds to see if we were going to give her a bit of food. The loop around the lake was really nice, and I would encourage everyone to take it, even if you are tired, like I was, upon reaching the lake. The loop is very flat and pretty, with some large rock formations to ooh and aah at. We had a laugh when Josh told me he saw a bear track and I freaked out a little bit. Of course, he has never seen a bear track, so he wouldn't know one if he DID see one. But I am so gullible that didn't register right away.

On the way down we saw a few more hikers, but it still wasn't too bad. The trail was large and relatively flat, so we were able to do some running on the way down (always feels good after you have that sugar spike from a hiking snack).

When we reached the view point option we took it, and it was well worth it. It was relatively flat and quick to get to, and wow, what a view! There were several ships dotting the sound, and the air was crisp and cool.

We finished the hike just as many others were starting it, and were happy again that we started earlier rather than later, as the parking lot was full when we left.

Afterwards we had lunch at Boundary Bay Brewing Company in Bellingham. It was wonderful and the service was spectacular. Ended up getting back home around 1:30 PM. Was a great day and would definitely recommend this hike for beginners or as a warm-up hike for the season. As always, I recommend getting there early to avoid crowded trails.

 Six members of the Whidbey Hiking Group did a 5.5 mile loop hike at Larrabee State Park.
 We began at the Two Dollar Trailhead which is located up the Hiline/Cleator Road about .5 mile from Chuckanut Drive. (Discover Pass required) The trailhead is easy to find at the small parking area but it was not signed.
 The Two Dollar Trail has had much new work done and was in excellent condition. Just over a mile up the trail we came to a nice waterfall which was an outlet stream from Fragrance Lake. At 1.5 miles a side trail on the left takes you in to the NW corner of Fragrance Lake. From there we hiked around the lake clockwise and took the "regular" Fragrance Lake Trail back down to the Interurban Trail near the state park entrance. (We did stop at the viewpoint on the way down. Not as great a view as the Oyster Dome, but not bad.)
 Lastly we hiked north on the Interurban Trail back to Hiline/Cleator Road and a short (.4 mile) walk up the road completed the loop back to the cars.
 My opinion is the loop hike was more fun than the usual up and back on the same trail.
 5.5 miles RT and maybe 1,000' of elevation gain.

Trail head parking was full so had to park at the campground. Busy trail on the way up but took the old road out and saw no one. Some muddy spots and a little water in areas. Overall trail in good shape.

Went up to Fragrance Lake in the sun, good trails and only a little muddy in a couple of areas. I didn't get to Lost Lake I think I'll save that for May or June. I took the old road back to my car. The Lake looks really high maybe because of the rain or being early in the season, not sure but either way it's a really nice looking lake and a good warm up hike for us just getting around to hiking again. Oyster Dome is four or five miles down the road from this and you could do both in a day, makes for a nice little two for. This hike does seem to be a little less popular (and has more parking) than the Oyster Dome hike.