Pine and Cedar Lakes Trail Hike Register

Date and Time:
Sun, Jun 21, 2026; 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM  (Pacific)

Organized By: Mt Baker Group

Location: Pine and Cedar Lakes Trail, Bellingham, WA 98229, USA

Map | Directions

Join the Mount Baker Group of the Sierra Club for a hike up the popular Pine and Cedar Lakes Trail. We'll follow the steep but rewarding path up Chuckanut Mountain and through dense forest as we keep an eye out for plants, animals, fungi, and other nature. At the end, we'll have a chance to explore the edges of two of Chuckanut's iconic lakes. Well behaved dogs are welcome. 

This is an approximately 5-mile round trip, out-and-back trail that involves about 1,500 feet of elevation gain and is rated by All Trails as hard. Be sure to bring sturdy hiking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, a packed lunch, and plenty of water (see recommendations for the 10 Essentials of hiking here). The Sierra Club also recommends having a personal first aid kit (see what goes in a kit here).

We will meet at the Pine and Cedar Lakes Trailhead off Old Samish Road. The parking area is easily accessible from the road but can fill up quickly--so consider self-organized carpooling. Carpool drivers and passengers are advised that the Sierra Club assumes no liability for carpools and carpooling, ride sharing, or anything similar is strictly a personal arrangement among the participants. There is a pit toilet but no potable running water access at the trailhead or on the trail, and we will have to pack out any waste. We'll follow Leave No Trace principles on this hike.

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 Chuckanut Drive south. Turn left onto Old Samish Road and take Old Samish until you see Pine & Cedar Lakes Trailhead 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.

One Day Backcountry Outings Participant Agreement/ Waiver & Medical Information: All participants in Sierra Club activities are required to sign a standard Participation Agreement and fill out a medical form (emergency contact, allergies, medications, and general medical history). You can review and sign this form at the trailhead or download it and send it to the trip leader ahead of time here. Your medical information will be referred to or passed along to emergency responders if you have a medical emergency during the outing. It is a good idea to keep a copy in your pack. If you have any medical issues you feel the leaders should know about, you must inform them before the start of the trip.

Level: Strenuous

Cost: No cost

Bring: Sturdy shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, plenty of water, and lunch to eat on the trail.

Additional Directions: Meet at the Pine and Cedar Lake Trailhead off of Old Samish Road.

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

Read more about the trail on All Trails.