Olsen Creek

Prior to the development of the Olsen Creek Preserve, there were virtually no sanctioned trails on Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) land in Whatcom County. A multi-organization partnership of WTA, Whatcom Mountain Bike Association and Back Country Horsemen of Washington worked with the Washington DNR to create 7 miles of multi-use trail. 

The ultimate goal is a 15-mile loop that connects to existing trails in nearby Whatcom County lands, depending on future funding. Sign up for WTA’s Trail Action Network, and WTA will email you at key moments to speak up for funding for Olsen Creek and other future wins for trails. 

This in-and-out hike of Hedgehog and Lion's Mane trails in the newly developed Olsen Creek Preserve avoids the downhill-biking-only trails and features mostly shady stretches of moss and ferns. Sunnier spots offer salmonberries, currants, fireweed and daisies. 

Note: As a newly established recreation area, signage is a work in progress. The first sign with a trail map is at checkpoint C. Best to take a picture for reference later. 

From the parking area at checkpoint B, take the unsigned trail at the back right of the parking area alongside a meadow and then along a gravel roadway for 0.3 mile. Here will be the first trail map at checkpoint C. Head toward the left to begin the Hedgehog trail. The trail begins in brushy sections and transitions to a shaded incline. 

At 1.2 miles, Hedgehog touches Earth Star trail, which is limited to downhill mountain biking, so do not go there. Continue up Hedgehog another 0.5 mile to a gravel roadway and head left about 100 feet to the checkpoint F and the junction with Lion’s Mane trail. Bear right to hike onward via Lion’s Mane.

After 0.5 mile, take a slight left to an almost immediate clearing that is an overlook toward the sea. Multiple San Juan Islands are visible on a clear day —how many can you spot and name? This is a good turnaround spot for hikers, and offers open ground for a rest, nap or snack spot.

Extend your hike

Continue up Lion's Mane for a lollipop loop of 1.8 miles and then head down Hedgehog. 

Near the bottom of Hedgehog, you can choose to go left instead of right, which is just an alternate loop back to the start of Hedgehog at checkpoint C. 

WTA Pro Tip: If you're looking for a restroom, the public restroom at Bloedel Donovan Park, at the intersection of Alabama Street and Northshore Drive, is your best bet.  

Fun fact: Though this route does not intersect with Olsen Creek directly, the stream supports a strain of landlocked salmon.