Pine and Cedar Lakes, Hemlock Trail, Raptor Ridge Trail, Larrabee State Park - Rock Trail, Larrabee State Park - Chuckanut Ridge Trail, Larrabee State Park - North Lost Lake Trail, Larrabee State Park - South Lost Lake Trail, Fragrance Lake & Interurban Trail — Tuesday, Mar. 17, 2020

I made my way out to the Chuckanuts on a sunny St. Paddy’s Day for an overnighter to Pine & Cedar Lakes. I parked at the glass-encrusted trailhead (beware car prowlers here) and started up the hill. The P&CL trail is steep but a great warm-up for a long hiking day. At the junction with the Hemlock Trail, I turned toward Raptor Ridge and proceeded up and over the ridge in the direction of Lost Lake. At the Raptor viewpoint, I was blessed with far-reaching views on such a bright, clear day. I didn’t see any of the ridge’s namesake hawks or eagles, but I did see a pack of velociraptors attacking a stegosaurus. I’m sure you’re not interested in hearing about something boring like that, though, so I’ll move on.

I made my way to Lost Lake, which was rather easy to find despite being lost. Just as you reach it, there is a nasty mud pit you have to cross. There are downed logs to help you across, but they are slippery and some will twist or sink as they take your weight. What’s more, the mud is at least four feet deep (sank my entire hiking stick into it) so if you lose your balance, you could sink up to your waist or possibly further. I wouldn’t attempt to cross without poles or a staff for balance. Past the bog, there is a trail that wraps around the northern shore and has some excellent lunching spots along the lake. This trail also allows you to access the lake’s outlet for some fresh water.

After Lost Lake, I backtracked almost to Arroyo Park and took the Hemlock Trail back up the long hill to Pine and Cedar Lakes. I set up camp at Pine Lake just before dark and spent the evening watching Mystery Science Theatre 3000 on my phone. Ah, the luxuries of backpacking near town! The night was cold and clear, and the stars were out. A few roving lights moved steadily across the sky, possibly the Satellite of Love.

I packed up in the frosty morning and hit the trails again. I checked out the Cedar Lake overlook and its up close view of Mt. Baker before hiking up and over Raptor Ridge. This time, I swung northwest and took the Chuckanut Ridge Trail. The best views to be had in the area are found up there, with Baker on one side and the Sound on the other. I made it to Cyrus Gates and descended the Rock Trail, which is a lot more fun than ascending the Rock Trail. Back on the S. Lost Lake Trail, I swung up to Fragrance Lake and then made my way back to the car via the Interurban/Hemlock/Pine and Cedar route.

All the trails are in great shape and free of major obstacles. Zero blow-downs or overgrowth are present right now, just some mud and the death pit by Lost Lake. There is a new bench at Fragrance Lake, and the swimming-hole area by the fallen tree there has been shored up. Thanks, WTA!

‘In Dublin’s fair city,

Where the girls are so pretty,

I first set my eyes on sweet

Molly Malone,

As she wheel’d her wheelbarrow,

Through streets broad and narrow,

Crying, “Cockles and mussels alive, alive o!”

Alive, alive o!

Alive, alive o!

Crying, “Cockles and mussels alive, alive o!”’

-Irish folk song