Lookout Mountain Hike Register

Date and Time:
Sat, Jan 17, 2026; 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM (Pacific)

Add to Calendar Lookout Mountain Hike

Join the Mount Baker Sierra Club for a hike in the beautiful Lookout Mountain Preserve. We will take our time as we wend our way through the forest, pausing to take note of interesting plants, animals, or fungi. Difficulty level: moderate.

Lake Louise Rd at Gate 9, Sudden Valley, WA 98229, USA

Webinar URL:

48.71895100,-122.35504100 Nick Engelfried nicke.activism@gmail.com MM/DD/yyyy amOUuwqNAzpGSXwtHmnd12740

Organized By: Mt Baker Group

Location: Lake Louise Rd at Gate 9, Sudden Valley, WA 98229, USA

Map | Directions

Event Organizers:
Nick Engelfried
nicke.activism@gmail.com
360-941-3085

Join the Mount Baker Sierra Club on a hike through Lookout Mountain Preserve, a protected area that showcases a variety of forest ecosystem growth stages. After meeting at the main trailhead, we'll follow the Rufus Creek Trail to Lookout Mountain Overlook, then descend via the Baneberry Trail in a loop that takes us back to the trailhead. Be prepared to make plenty of stops along the way to look at interesting plants, animals, and fungi we find.

While on clear days there is a view of Lake Whatcom from the overlook, this hike is less about panoramic vistas than experiencing the forest--making it ideal for a time of year when it's likely to be rainy or foggy. Something that makes Lookout Mountain Preserve special is several stages of forest ecosystem succession appear along the trail within a relatively small area, offering a chance to observe how Northwest forests age and diversify over time.

This trail is moderately challenging. Total elevation gain is close to 1,000 feet, and length is about 5.4 miles round trip. Well behaved dogs are welcome.

Be sure to bring sturdy hiking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, a packed lunch and plenty of water for this hike. Parking is at the trailhead, which is also accessible via the 512 bus (please not the bus runs only once per hour). There is a gender-neutral restroom at the trailhead, but there is no potable water and on the trail we will have to pack out any waste. We'll be following Leave No Trace principles.

Although 2pm is the estimated finish time, we could finish slightly earlier or later--so best not to make plans that depend on being done at exactly that time. This is a backcountry hike and all participants will be required to sign a liability waiver and fill out a medical form.

Directions: From Bellingham, follow Lakeway Drive east as it becomes N. Terrace Ave. Turn right onto Austin Street, then take a slight left onto Lake Louise Road. When you see the sign for Lookout Mountain Preserve the trailhead will be on your right.

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 you feel the leaders should know about, you must inform them before the start of the trip. You will be required to fill out a medical form (emergency contact, allergies, medications, and general medical history) available here, and are strongly encouraged to email it to the trip leader prior to the hike. 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.
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Level: Moderate

Cost: No cost

Bring: Weather-appropriate clothes, hiking boots, water, and lunch to eat on the trail.

Additional Directions: Meet at the Lookout Mountain Preserve Trailhead

Carpool: Sierra Club assumes no liability for carpools, and any carpools should 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

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