Outdoors

POSTED: Thursday, Oct. 29, 2009

TRAIL REPORT: Sehome Hill Arboretum

The 180-acre Sehome Hill Arboretum provides almost six miles of trails through a wooded wonderland of firs, hemlocks, cedars, alders and maples. This time of year, the trees also provide a natural umbrella for rainy day treks.

While heavily logged in the late 1800s and tapped for its sandstone reserves in the past, it has transformed into a quiet, nature sanctuary while a few visible reminders of its working history remain.

While the park includes many trails that can be accessed from all directions into the surrounding neighborhoods, my favorite route incorporates the two main trails.

From Bill McDonald Parkway on the south end of Western Washington University's campus, take 25th Street north. Designated arboretum parking is available on the right.

Proceed up 25th Street a short distance until just before reaching a magnificent archway of tree branches over the street. Here the marked trailhead for the Douglas Fir Trail can be accessed to the left.

You'll first pass a rock outcropping used by some for bouldering. The packed dirt trail will soon lead skyward to the upper arboretum parking lot.

Proceed through the parking lot to the transmitter station, and just beyond hook onto the Tunnel Trail, where you will pass through the hand-dug sandstone tunnel that pleasure-driving enthusiasts once traveled through on their way to the summit.

Follow the signs to the wooden observation tower and climb the stairs before being treated to expansive views of downtown, Bellingham Bay, the islands and even into Canada.

Then wind your way down through the arboretum by following the Huntoon Trail, which used to be Huntoon Road. Nature is currently hard at work reclaiming this now partially paved route.

Peak-a-boo views of Western's campus can be sighted as you skirt above and along the east side of the campus. On the left, exposed sandstone at the site of the old quarry is easily seen.

Once level with the campus, the path turns into the Arboretum Way Trail, which works its way behind Fairhaven College before terminating back at 25th Street.

For more information: www.google.com/search?sourceid=gmail&rls=gm&q=sehome%20hill%20arboretum