Lake Whatcom Park - Chanterelle Trail, Lake Whatcom Park - Hertz Trail — Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023

First day Edelman and I were able to tackle the "new" Chanterelle/Hertz loop trail, and it was not disappointing! The trail was ready for prime time just a few weeks ago, after last summer's wildfire at Lake Whatcom slowed its completion down. The loop makes an 11-mile hike circuit, gaining 2400 feet in elevation and meandering through a nice legacy forest of cedars, Doug firs, maples and alders-- within a 20 minute drive of downtown Bellingham.

The first 2.4 miles is up the Chanterelle Trail, a well-graded path that leads up to a nice viewpoint overloooking Lake Whatcom. From there, the Chanterelle continues 2.6 miles to a junction with a logging road. This used to be where the terminus was-- a dark little bench with no view. Now, the Hertz Connector is in, and it's lovely. Well-graded, with peek-a-boo views of Lake Whatcom. 3 miles down the connector is a .1 mile turnoff that leads to a lovely overlook. This one is better than the first overlook (mentioned above); it provides a sweeping view of the lake and two new benches to sit and cogitate upon. We had lunch here (famished by that point, 8 miles in). After returning to the main trail, we continued to head down toward the Hertz trail, which runs along the shores of Lake Whatcom and returns you to the parking area. After about a half mile, you hit the stairs--LOTS of stairs. Probably about 200 of them. This stretch, including the stairs, runs about 1 mile (only about .1 mile's worth is stairs. No railings. The stairs were fine, but I liked having my poles to take some of the pressure off my IT band and knees). Once you hit the Hertz, it's a flat 1.8 miles back to the car--along the lake, which today was light and lovely. I clocked our hike at 11 miles even, with the detour to the second lookout (which was worth it--see pics).

Pluses: quiet area, not over populated. Bikes not allowed on most of the trail, so not the associated wear and tear on the trail, nor diving for the sidelines. Really nice woods--gorgeous cedars and ferns, some big Doug firs, as well. Nice views along the way. Nicely maintained and graded.

Minuses: none.

Conditions today: 39 degrees at start, probably about 35 near top. Clear and sunny, though foggy over the lake till about 11 a.m. Plenty of parking and a stocked, decent outhouse. No pass of any kind needed.

Happy holidays, folks--whatever you celebrate!