Lately, Washington's Chuckanut Mountains have become my top reason for cross-border trips. Last year, I enjoyed both and the , located south of .
was the obvious destination for my third visit to the area, which lies in the traditional territory of the Lummi Nation. Earlier this winter, three of us drove down Interstate 5 and State Route 11 to the on Chuckanut Drive in . (We bought the required for US$10 from a machine at the campground entrance across the road.)
Viewpoint off the Fragrance Lake Trail. Photo: Stephen Hui.
The popular Fragrance Lake Trail led us up into the forest, across the Interurban Trail, and to a , which offered access to a viewpoint looking out at the . We reached the lake after an hour and a half of hiking. The scenic lake loop passed by neat sandstone outcrops and provided ample reward for our modest efforts thus far.
Next, we headed over to the gravel Cleator Road, which we followed up to the Cyrus Gates Overlook at an elevation of 555 metres. After three hours, we had reached the high point of our trip. (An at the overlook helps visitors identify Orcas Island, Chuckanut Bay, and Canada.)
Chuckanut Island from the Cyrus Gates Overlook. Photo: Stephen Hui.
The Double Black Diamond Trail, with its mountain-biking twists and turns, made for an interesting and steep descent. A waterfall provided some eye candy as we looped back on Fragrance Lake Road to the Interurban Trail and the trailhead.
Our hike covered 13 kilometres and involved an elevation gain of 540 metres. The round trip lasted five hours.
