RAPTOR RIDGE AND CEDAR LAKE OVERLOOK VIA PINE & CEDAR LAKES TRAIL
This makes a satisfying half-day hike that includes some strenuous uphill for a cardiac work-out, some mellow ups and downs through lovely, mature second-growth forests, two good viewpoints, and a short lakeside stroll. Approaching Raptor Ridge from the Pine & Cedar Lakes trailhead is a steeper but shorter alternative to the north route described in the hiking guide.
From the Pine & Cedar Lakes trailhead, we followed the main trail up to its junction with the Cedar Lake Overlook trail. Turning left, we climbed up to the overlook, which gives a lovely view east across Lookout Mountain’s twin summits to Mount Baker and the Sisters (see photo). We then continued around the loop and down to Cedar Lake. Note: our Square One map of the Chuckanut Recreation Area indicates four viewpoints along this loop, but we have never found more than one.
Once at the lake, we turned right and hiked back to the main Pine & Cedar Lakes trail, and then back to the junction with the Hemlock Trail. Going left here, we followed the Hemlock Trail to the Raptor Ridge Trail, and then turned left to head up to the ridge. This short section is the most beautiful of the hike. It winds upward through moss-draped, mature forest and below a series of fern-decked sandstone bluffs (see photo).
The view from Raptor Ridge mainly encompasses the nearby, densely forested hills, but looking southeast we could see Mount Rainier in the distance (see photo). The trail description does not mention this, so I suspect that Rainier is not often discernable.
After a snack break sitting on the sandstone bluff, we retraced our steps to the Pine & Cedar Lakes trail, and down to the trailhead. According to our GPS, we had hiked 7.7 miles.
The trails were in surprisingly good condition, given the winter weather. Most of the track was dry and smooth. There were only a few wet spots, but nothing extremely muddy, and no running water on the trail. However, the high winds, heavy snow and heavy rains we have had over the last month did bring down many trees in this area, and large trees are lying across the trail in several places (see photo). Fortunately, none of these proved to be a serious impediment. We could easily climb over or duck under them. However, they would present problems for mountain bikers, which may account for the absence of bikers on the trails.
Overall, this is a great choice for a local hike that gives a good workout (the hike up from the trailhead is long and steep) and rewards with pleasant walking through our signature forests and a couple of pretty good viewpoints.
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