‘Significant step’: DNR opens 7-mile trail in wilderness above Lake Whatcom
A new trail through the forest above Lake Whatcom is open for use, offering a 7-mile route below Stewart Mountain for hikers, mountain bikers and horse riders, the state Department of Natural Resources said in a statement.
DNR called the Olsen Creek Trail system a “significant step” that provides both outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship.
“Before these trails opened, there were fewer than 2 miles of designated trails on DNR land across all of Whatcom County despite high demand from outdoor enthusiasts. The new designated trails will provide a safer and more enjoyable experience while better protecting the natural landscape,” DNR said in a statement Friday.
No map of the area was immediately available, DNR’s Michael Kelly told The Herald.
“We do not have an official DNR trailhead yet — that is coming but a little ways out. There is a county trailhead at Y Road adjacent to the new system. People can access the system there, but parking is limited so we ask people to park responsibly just like they recreate responsibly,” Kelly said in an email.
A Discover Pass is not required for the Y Road parking area. The new DNR trails are near the Chanterelle Trail and others in Lake Whatcom Park, but do not connect to it, he said.
“The trails offer breathtaking views of Lake Whatcom, Bellingham Bay and the Canadian Cascades on clear days,” the DNR said.
DNR built the Olsen Creek Trail system with help from the Washington Trails Association, Whatcom Chapter of Backcountry Horsemen of Washington, and the Whatcom Mountain Bike Coalition.
“These efforts ensure that recreation occurs responsibly, reducing negative environmental impacts, managing user risks and guiding visitors toward sustainable and well-maintained trails,” DNR said.
This story was originally published June 23, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
