Lake Whatcom Park

NOTICE: 
The Lower Brown Pow Trail is closed after a down tree damaged a bridge. Timeline for repair is still being determined.
  1. 1 Lake Whatcom Chanterelle Overlook
  2. 2 Lake Whatcom Hertz Trail
  3. 3 Lake Whatcom Bridge
  4. 4 Lake Whatcom Pilings
  5. 5 Lake Whatcom Trail

restrooms hikingmountain biking 2fishingwildlife viewing

A Large Natural Park on Lake Whatcom's Eastern Shore

Enjoy views of Lake Whatcom, the surrounding hills, waterfalls, and giant old Douglas Fir trees. Lake Whatcom Park gives visitors the opportunity to stroll by the lake and walk through a lush forest. The interpretive kiosk, located at the lakeshore, tells the story of Lake Whatcom and its significance to our community.

Lookout Mountain Forest Preserve & Lake Whatcom Park Recreational Trail Plan 

  1. Trails

Lake Whatcom Park map







     

      Hertz Trail

The Hertz Trail is an easy hike or bike ride along the shore of Lake Whatcom on the grade of the former Bellingham Bay & Eastern Railway. The trail begins with a gradual slope through a lush forest to the interpretive kiosk at the lakeshore. The Chanterelle Connector Trail intersects the Hertz Trail at Check Point B, 1.75 miles from the trailhead. The trail then follows the railroad grade south for another 1.3 miles. Enjoy views of Lake Whatcom and Lookout Mountain. Keep an eye out for waterfalls and remnant patches of old-growth along the hillside or visit one of the many beautiful beaches and coves tucked away along this trail.

From Parking Area 1: Continue past the gate at the eastern end of the parking lot. 3.0 miles one way to the trail end.

From Parking Area 2:  Choose either of the two connector trails on the southern side of the parking lot. 0.2 miles one way to the junction with Hertz Trail. 2.9 miles one way to the trail end.

Easy, 3.1 miles one way
hiking mountain biking 2


Chanterelle Trail

The Chanterelle Trail ascends 2,200 feet in 5 miles through a mix of forest types. The scenic Chanterelle Overlook is located 2.4 miles from the trailhead.

The first 0.6 miles of the trail is shared hiking and biking. The remaining 4.4 miles of trail is open to two way foot traffic and uphill only bike travel. After reaching the Overlook hikers can descend back down the trail or continue to the upper portion of Chanterelle Trail. Bikers may continue uphill, descend to the trailhead on Lower Brown Pow Trail, or return to the trailhead via Forest Road H3300.

The upper portion of Chanterelle Trail continues climbing Stewart Mountain. Experience the transition of young to old growth forest, deep ravines, and glimpses of Lake Whatcom as the trail ascends 800ft in 1.5 miles to a junction with Upper Brown Pow, a trail for downhill mountain biking only. The trail continues ascending an additional 400ft in 1.1 miles, and connects to the Chanterelle Connector Trail and Forest Service Road H3300. The out-and-back distance of Chanterelle Trail to this point is 10 miles.

From Parking Area 2:  From the trailhead it's 2.4 miles one way to the Chanterelle Overlook and 5 miles one way to the trail terminus.

Moderate, 5.0 miles one way
hiking mountain biking 2


Lower Brown Pow Trail

The Lower Brown Pow Trail is a downhill mountain bike-only trail. This trail contains technical terrain features including steep sections and sharp corners. This 1-mile trail begins at Checkpoint E and is accessed from Upper Brown Pow or by a connector from Chanterelle Trail 0.4 miles from the trailhead.

More Difficult, 1.0 mile
no hiking *Downhill Mountain Biking Onlymountain biking 1


Upper Brown Pow Trail

The Upper Brown Pow Trail is a downhill mountain bike-only trail. This trail contains technical terrain features including drops, steep sections, cliff edges, and sharp corners. This 1.7 mil trail begins at checkpoint D and is accessed from Chanterelle Trail.

Very Difficult, 1.7 miles
no hiking *Downhill Mountain Biking Onlymountain biking 1



Chanterelle Connector Trail

This trail is for hiking only. Access to this trail is from the top of Chanterelle Trail/Forest Road H3300 or at Checkpoint B on the Hertz Trail. From Checkpoint B, the trail ascends 1 mile, including a stair section of over 300 stairs to an intersection with a trail that connects to the Lake Whatcom Overlook. The out-and-back trail to the overlook adds an additional 0.2 miles. Follow the trail up further through old-growth, seasonal wetlands, and successional growth areas. Completing the full Chanterelle Connector - Hertz loop is 10.8 miles in length (11 miles including the Overlook).

Moderate to Strenuous, 4.0 miles
hiking no biking