Chanterelle Trail Hike Register

Join the Mount Baker Sierra Club for a hike up the Chanterelle Trail! This is a beautiful trail at any time of year, with views of Lake Whatcom on clear days and lots of opportunities to observe native plants, fungi, birds, and other wildlife. We’ll take our time meandering up to the Lake Whatcom Overlook, stopping along the way to admire any interesting nature we come across.

This is an approximately 5-mile round trip, out-and-back trail that ends at Lake Whatcom Overlook and involves about 1,000 feet of elevation gain. On the way up, be prepared for switchbacks that zigzag through a forest of young Douglas-firs and other conifers. Be sure to bring sturdy hiking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, a packed lunch, and plenty of water. Well behaved dogs are welcome.

There is a pit toilet bathroom at the trailhead, but no guaranteed potable water and on the trail we will have to pack out any waste. We'll be following Leave No Trace principles. 

Although 3pm 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 qualifies as a backcountry hike, and all participants will be required to sign a liability waiver and fill out a medical form. 

Directions: From downtown Bellingham, take Dupont Street north and turn right onto F Street. Make a slight right from F Street onto Alabama, and turn left off Alabama onto Northshore Drive. Stay on Northshore Drive as it becomes Northshore Road, and follow to Lake Whatcom Park. Where Northshore Road forks, take the left fork and continue to the main parking area on the left side of the road.

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.