Pine and Cedar Lakes Trail

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This steep trail is a favorite of hikers who want to build up their legs and lungs for summer ascents in the Cascades or athletes training for the downhill and snowboard leg of the Ski to Sea race each May.

It's a hike � or a run for the super fit � that will have your calves squealing on the way up and your knees grousing on the way down, but the trail offers a great workout.

Pine and Cedar lakes are two tree-lined, peaceful ponds perfect for a summertime swim.

Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous. Elevation gain: Nearly 1,300 feet.

Round trip: Up to 6 miles.

Hiking time: About 2 1/2 hours.

Users: Hikers, bicyclists, horses on most of the trail, but bicycles and horses are not allowed around the lakes because of wetlands conditions.

Best times to hike: Year-round.

Family friendly: No. The trail is in good condition, but the steep climb for the first 1 1/2 miles is no child's play.

Amenities: Portable toilet in parking lot near trailhead. Camping allowed at both lakes.

Maps: Whatcom County Parks and Recreation Department's trail map. One is posted in the parking lot. Print one by going to the county's Web site, clicking on "Trails" and then "Pine & Cedar Lakes."

Dogs: Dogs must be on a leash.

Driving directions: Go south on Chuckanut Drive to Old Samish Road, then turn left. The parking lot for the signed trailhead is two miles east of Chuckanut Drive. Driving time from downtown Bellingham: 15 minutes.

Getting there: The trail starts from the parking lot. It is steep for the first 1 1/2 miles, before leveling out just before Cedar Lake. Follow a sign to the left and walk another 200 yards to get to Cedar Lake, or go straight a half-mile to get to Pine Lake.

A 3/4-mile trail loops around Cedar Lake, with another trail at the lake's west end leading to sweeping views that take in Mount Baker, the San Juan Islands and Bellingham. (Round trip from the viewpoints is six miles.)

Pine Lake doesn't have a loop trail. The area around the lake is swampy, so expect to walk over wooden planks laid out near the part of the lake closest to the trail. (Round trip to Pine Lake is five miles.)

Pine and Cedar Lakes Trail also links up to six other trails, including Raptor Ridge, Huckleberry Point and North Lost Lake.