Squires Lake: Trails are easy, fun, pretty

Round trip: 3.7 miles.

Hiking time: 1 hour 15 minutes.

Users: Hikers, horses, bicyclists.

Dogs: Are allowed but must be on a leash.

Best time to hike: Year-round.

Family friendly: Yes. The trails are well-marked. Interpretive signs educate visitors about the area’s wetlands and the beavers who make their home at the nearby pond.

Amenities: Portable toilet near the parking lot at the trailhead. Benches off parts of the trail invite you to slow down and admire the beauty. There are minimal equestrian amenities.

Maps: Whatcom County Parks and Recreation at www.co.whatcom.wa.us/parks, then click on “Squires Lake” under the “Trails” heading.

Driving directions: Go south on Interstate 5 to the South Lake Samish/Nulle Road exit (242). Turn left (east) at the stop sign and drive about 0.7-mile to the Squires Lake Park parking lot, which is on the left. The park straddles Whatcom and Skagit counties. It’s just 10 miles south of Bellingham.

Getting there: Start at the trailhead, just off the parking lot. Huff up the switchbacks for just one-third of a mile, turn left and you’re at the lake. This is the only moderately steep section. Soon after turning left, walk over a small wooden bridge and take the onemile loop around the lake; follow the signs and veer left to hook up with the pond.

Or head right to go the other way on the loop to connect to the South Ridge Trail, which connects to another trail that goes up and outside the park boundary on its way to the Alger Alp. Be careful if you head to the ridge because there’s a drop. There’s also a South Ridge Trail viewpoint, but there’s not much to look at.

Later in the year, enjoy the bright yellow of pond lily, watch bees at work on honeysuckles, and pluck a few raspberries for refreshment.

Sources: “Hiking Whatcom County,” by Ken Wilcox (Northwest Wild Books); Skagit Parks Foundation; Whatcom County Parks and Recreation.