Fragrance Lake Trail offers visual, physical rewards

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This is a pleasant, leg-stretching hike that makes the Chuckanut Mountains trail system one of the great things about living in Whatcom County.

The trail wends through part of Larrabee State Park, takes you through the woods and features peek-a-boo bay views, a pretty waterfall and the glass-like surface of Fragrance Lake at the end. On a hot summer day, jumping in for a swim is a cool reward.

Difficulty: Moderate.

| KIE RELYEA THE BELLINGHAM HERALD

Elevation gain: Nearly 1,000 feet.

Round trip: 5½ miles.

Hiking time: 1 hour, 45 minutes.

Users: Hikers, horses and bicyclists on the access trail to the Fragrance Lake Trail. Hikers only on Fragrance Lake Trail.

Best time: Year-round.

Family friendly: Yes.

Dogs: Dogs must be on a leash.

Amenities: Restrooms at the Clayton Beach parking lot.

Maps: Washington State Department of Natural Resources map at www.dnr.wa.gov. Click on “Recreation,” then “Trail Map/Brochure Series.” Select “Chuckanut Mountain.”

Driving directions: Drive south on Chuckanut Drive to the parking lot for the Clayton Beach Trail. Look for a sign that reads “Clayton Beach Day Use Parking” and the lot on your left. It’s 9½ miles from downtown Bellingham, or about 15 minutes.

Getting there: The access trail starts just off the parking lot and around a gate. (Don’t be deterred. It’s there to keep vehicles out.) You’ll start out by walking on Fragrance Lake Road, which is a gravel route. Walk past the sewage treatment plant on your left and keep going until you see a fork in the road. Go left to hook up to the Fragrance Lake Trail.

As you near the end of the trail, take a right or a left for a 0.75- mile loop around Fragrance Lake.

If you prefer a route that’s more challenging, go to two small parking areas located off Chuckanut Drive and before you get to the Clayton Beach parking lot. Park and then hit the steep switchbacks that start near the parking areas. Your walk on this route will be shorter, but your calves will cry with the effort.