We did the Raptor Ridge Loop today (Weds),
Very peaceful, not crowded, maybe 10 total
people on the trail lower than the loop, mostly alone (trail running) or in pairs with well behaved dogs, And 2 horses 😊

Very well maintained, dry and clean
Thank you folks that do this work!
Small parking area - not crowded
No bathroom facilities
Beautiful view - but foggy today
A few mosquitos - it’s getting to be that time of year - I’ll be back soon

Another Monday morning not in my classroom, another chance to get into the trees! Today I went up to the Raptor Ridge Viewpoint, starting at the North Chuckanut Mountain Trailhead. There is plenty of parking, and there is a Honey Bucket as well. Good news - Highway 11 (Chuckanut Dr.) is now open if you are coming from the south 

I've only gone on the trails to Fragrance Lake and Oyster Dome in this area, so I was excited to explore some of the other trails. There are a LOT of trails, though - most intersections are well signed, but some are not. AllTrails helped, but really the most useful was the map and description in Craig Romano's Urban Trails: Bellingham book (I took pictures of the pages). I had a Square One map of the area, but as previous reports indicated, this map is outdated, and doesn't show this trail as a loop. Romano's map is definitely up-to-date, I highly recommend it!

These trails are just BEAUTIFUL. Ferns galore, trees shrouded in moss, it was so nice to spend the morning surrounded by LIFE. The trail is in great shape, thanks to everyone who helps maintain it.

There are lots of ways to get to the viewpoint, I went on the Hemlock Trail, to the Raptor Ridge Trail, then back on the North Lost Lake Trail. There were some short uphill sections, but never anything too steep or too long. I wore trail runners and used poles for my old man knees.

I did hear traffic for the first mile and the last mile, which at times can be distracting. It's worth the trade-off, though, having these trails so close to town. My favorite part was the Raptor Ridge Trail - traffic noise gone, meandering through giant moss-covered boulders ... and then a lofty viewpoint to enjoy. I sat there for a half hour, snacking, hydrating, and reading, then hit the trail. It was nice to continue on the loop, knowing I didn't have to retrace all my steps.

I didn't see anyone until the last mile or so, the solitude was exactly what I needed. I did see my second barred owl, which was SO GREAT. We shared a moment together, eventually it flew off. Magical.

Total of 8.1 miles, 1,650 feet elevation, on the trail for 3 hours 30 minutes total. I look forward to coming back and trying some of the side loops next time. And always grateful to be out in the woods :)

On a weekend trip up to Bellingham and decided to hike up here for nostalgia. Relatively free of obstacles other than one fallen tree which is easily crossed. Once you are on the raptor ridge section off of the lost lake trail it becomes slightly colder but isn't unbearable. I did this as a training home and did not stop until the viewpoint which ultimately took 1 hr 15 minutes to the top and roughly the same coming down. A more comfortable pace will take you roughly 4 hours car to car but this is a lovely hike to do with good weather as there is a nice view at the top. Many slugs you may step upon so watch where you walk!

Arrived at the trailhead at 10:00 am and the parking lot was nearly full.  

There are waterfalls and moss-covered rock faces along the trail, with a little bit of wildlife too. 

At the top, on a clear day, you should be able to see the Mountain (Rainier), but this day was mostly overcast. 

The viewpoint at the top is not very big, so be careful. 

There is a portable toilet at the trailhead. 

Very nice hike, trail is in great condition, just make sure you are aware of what trail you are on lots of trails that branch off, very beautiful even with the overcast and rain. As always have fun and be safe.