Beautiful day. Pictures don't do this scenic jewel any justice. Its a must see for your own eyes. Breath taking sights. I would do it again in a heartbeat. Burned 1350 calories. U really get your sweat on, on the way back. Only down side is that I brought my friendly dog and 2 others had dogs that weren't friendly. My advice is that those dogs shouldn't be out in public at a dog friendly location. Mind blowing how disrespectful their owners were. Won't change the way I do things. I shouldn't have to change Cuz you or your dog can't control its self. Rant over.

`I went to the Rock trail in the Chuckanuts hoping that the low hanging clouds would linger for awhile in the morning so as to take advantage of the soft light to photograph some of the nooks and crannies along the trail. The local weather conditions held as the clouds hung around the 1500 foot level most of the morning. I did the short hike today but as with many of the trails in the Chuckanuts you can put together a variety of loops and extensions. Since the Cyrus Gates Overlook provides a hub, one can make loops from the Rock trail that include the Double Diamond, Lost Lake or the Ridge Trail. Cleator road is in better condition with a fresh layer of gravel which has filled in the previous potholes and wash board ridges.

Road coming in has some potholes, but nothing too bad. Trail pleasant, in good condition. Did not hike full loop (not realizing there was one, I had stashed my coat and hat a ways back). "Mountain views" is not accurate; the trailhead at Cyrus Gates Overlook provides a pleasant view of the San Juans, but that is the only noteworthy view on the whole trip; the rest of the time trees block it. Nothing too strenuous - kids and dogs will be fine (possibly not too young with the first or too old with the second as the first section of stairs is rather steep). Lake offshoot is worth doing, however no trail continues around the lake so it's view-only. Spotted a massive uprooted tree near there. Overall, nice enough hike but if you want any sort of views you'll want to go somewhere else.

Rock trail is a wonderful new trail, but instead of heading towards Lost Lake at the end 1.2 junction, we turned right and uphill. Over a half mile on the left is a small unmarked trail. Actually there is sign there pointing in the direction you just came from: To Lost Lake. Follow that small trail on the left 0.2 miles to the top of Burnout Hill, where a private landowner clear cut his rectangle of land three years ago. Clear cuts make me sad, but the view of the San Juans is the most exquisite and expansive perspective I have ever seen, more so than Oyster Dome. You can follow the logging road to get a view of Lost Lake and Mt. Baker. It took us forty five minutes to return from Burnout Hill to the Cyrus Gates parking lot. Also the logging road will connect with the Burnout Trail which begins off the Fragrance Lake Road. I think it is approximately four miles to the Fragrance Lake Parking Lot. I came from that direction a week ago to Burnout Hill and that road/trail is quite steep at times.

The hike got off to a Rocky start. The potholes and small gullies on HiLine/Cleator Rd made it a rough trip for Eagle-Eyed Mary's Prius. (Perhaps a heads-up could be added to the WTA guide's driving directions?) Inspired by the view of Puget Sound and islands from Cyrus Gates Overlook, we ambled into the woods. The trail goes steeply DOWN hill, passing alongside and between imposing, massive Rocks and above lush masses of ferns. With a little imagination, one can picture the terrain as a setting for a fantasy movie. The steps are expertly constructed, and their height is designed for the average person, not some 6-ft-tall athlete. WTA Rocks! Shortly after the "Hikers only" sign at the bottom of the new trail, we came to a junction and turned left, hoping to find Lost Lake. There are two signposts hinting at the way, but the signs are gone. Two friendly ladies from Bellingham tipped us to follow a path leading up a Rocky ridge when we arrived at Lost Lake. After about 5 minutes walking, we came to an opening in the trees with a relatively level Rock and a good view of the lake. We ate lunch there, basking in the sunshine and cheering the swallows as they swooped after insects over the water. On the way UP, we took the WTA guide's challenge and counted about 180 steps as we experienced the Rocks from below Iced lattes from the Bow bakery topped off an enjoyable day on the trail.