Stimpson Family Nature Reserve Outing Register

Date and Time:
Sat, Jun 14, 2025; 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM  (Pacific)

Organized By: Mt Baker Group

Location: Stimpson Family Nature Reserve, 2076 Lake Louise Rd, Bellingham, WA 98229, USA

Map | Directions

Event Organizers:
Laura Rainey
   outdoorlrainey@gmail.com
   (562) 972-2553

Join the Mt Baker Group of the Sierra Club for a leisurely paced, easy hike (approximately 3 miles, 350 feet gain), along the Main Loop Trail of this mature Lake Whatcom watershed forest. The Stimpson Family Nature Reserve offers hiking trails through a beautiful forest setting. The forest is largely undisturbed and displays characteristics of an old-growth forest, including Douglas Fir trees over 400 years old, a wide diversity of tree species, snags and decaying logs, and a complex architecture of canopy, understory, shrub layer, and tapestry of the forest floor. Two ponds and additional wetland areas support a wide variety of plants and animals, including beaver. Deer, cougar, and smaller mammals frequent the park. We will casually walk through the quiet of a towering forest, over streams and past ponds. We may have multiple brief stops, as there is potential to see a wide variety of animals, mature trees, ferns, mosses and fungi. This beautiful forest reserve is the result of the generous gift from the Stimpson Family, plus collaboration of various community partnerships  and public entities. There are gender-specific, single stall restrooms at the trailhead, but no potable water access. We will meet at 1:00 PM at the parking lot.

COVID-19 - No vaccine or tests are required for this outing. You may be walking with people who are vaccinated and unvaccinated. You are welcome to wear a mask if it makes you comfortable. Please stay home if you are sick or experiencing any COVID symptoms.

Waiver - All participants in Sierra Club activities are required to sign a standard Participation Agreement when rsvping or at the trailhead. You can review the agreement form at the trailhead or here. 

Medical - If you have any medical issues the leaders should know about, please tell the leader in person before you start the walk. You may also provide pertinent medical information about yourself (emergency contact, allergies, medications, and general medical history) on a Sierra Club medical form that is available here or from the leader at the meeting point. Your medical information will be referred to or passed along to emergency responders if you have a medical emergency during the walk. It is a good idea to keep a copy in your pack.

Level: Easy

Cost: Free

Signup Instructions: Advance registration is required.

Bring: Clothing layers appropriate for the weather, water, snacks, and sturdy shoes.

Signup Restrictions: While park posts no dogs are allowed on trail, trained service animals are welcome. If you rely on a trained service dog and wish to participate, please contact the leader in advance of the hike.

Carpool: Carpooling is welcome and encouraged, but carpools must be self-organized.

Note: Carpool transportation is at the sole risk of the participants.

Cancellation Policy: Activity is held rain or shine, but may be altered due to inclement weather

See more trail info on the Whatcom County Parks and Rec web site