Stimpson Nature Reserve Hike Register

Date and Time:
Sun, Nov 22, 2026; 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM  (Pacific)

Organized By: Mt Baker Group

Location: 2076 Lake Louise Rd, Bellingham, WA 98229, USA

Map | Directions

Event Organizers:
Nick Engelfried
   nicke.activism@gmail.com
   3609413085

Join the Mount Baker Sierra Club for a walk through the forest at Stimpson Family Nature Preserve, a remarkable tract of old forest easily accessible from Bellingham. Having escaped intensive logging in the 20th century, this special place is home to Douglas-firs over a century old and diverse other plants, animals, and fungi. In the fall, Stimpson Reserve is an ideal place to look for mushrooms, salamanders, and other moisture-loving forest creatures. We'll take our time on the trail, pausing to admire whatever organisms we find.

This trail is routed by All Trails as easy. Our route, which includes both the Main Loop and Geneva Pond Loop, is about 4.9 miles and includes around 300 feet of elevation gain. Please note that dogs and other pets aren't allowed on this trail.

Be sure to bring sturdy hiking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, a packed lunch and plenty of water for this hike. There is a 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. 

Parking is limited at the trailhead, and carpooling is encouraged. Carpools must be self-organized, however. The trailhead is also accessible via the 512 bus, which runs once every hour. 

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 as it becomes Lakeway Terrace, then Cable Street. Take a right on Austin St., which becomes Lake Louise Road. Follow Lake Louise Rd. to the trailhead, which will be on your left. 

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 outing participants are required to sign a waiver, available for viewing here.

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.

Cost: No cost

Recommended Items: Sturdy shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, a full water bottle, and lunch to eat on the trail.

Additional Directions: Meet at the Stimpson Family Nature Reserve Trailhead on Lake Louise Road.

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

Read more about the trail on the WTA website.