Lake Padden: Explore loop, back trails

KIE RELYEA

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The mostly level loop around Lake Padden makes for an easy walk or run with the added bonus of a pretty, placid lake view. But that 2.6-mile route can get crowded at times, especially on a sunny day.

If you prefer a little more solitude or a more difficult outing up and down hills — and don’t mind mud on your shoes — then head for the 5.1 miles of back trails that branch off south and east of the lake.

Plus, walking away from the crowd might give you a chance to hear the rapid “thwack, thwack, thwack” of a woodpecker’s beak on a tree.

Difficulty: Easy to moderate.

Elevation gain: 535 feet on back trails; minimal around the loop.

Round trip: 5.1 miles of back trails; 2.6 mile loop around Lake Padden.

Hiking time: 2½ hours for back trails; 55 minutes for the loop.

Best time to go: Year-round.

Users: Pedestrians, horses and mountain bikers.

Family friendly: Yes, but expect to squelch through the mud on some of the back trails.

Amenities: Picnic tables, grills for barbecuing, restrooms, softball fields, beachfront with swimming area, golf course and boat launch.

Dogs: Dogs must be on a leash at all times, except while in the dog exercise area near the ball fields and on off-leash trails to the south and east of the lake.

Maps: Bellingham Trail Guide. Find it online by going to www.cob.org/services, then clicking on “Trails” under the “Recreation” heading. Then scroll down to “Lake Padden.” Find printed versions at the Bellingham Parks Department office at 3424 Meridian St. (Cornwall Park). Maps also are posted at various places along the trail. Driving directions: From Bellingham, head south on Samish Way until you see the two park entrances on your right. You’ll travel about 2.2 miles from the Samish Way overpass at Interstate 5. The horse trailer parking is at the Wilkin Street trailhead.

Getting there: You may access the loop trail from the park’s east and west entrances. There are several entry sites from the loop to the back trails. Look for signs. A good place to start, if you want to walk the entire warren of back trails, is from the west entrance parking lot. Walk right on the wide, well-marked loop around the lake and past a dock and wooden bridge. Look for a sign showing a horse; turn right there and start climbing up the trail. Follow the dirt trails from there to go south and east.