I need all trip participants to update and submit a Hold Harmless Form for 2024. Click here to go to the form page.
Hike 10/26 Lily Lake & North Butte
Saturday, October 26, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
6 miles, 1300 feet elevation gain.
Meet at Everett Station Park & Ride Lot --
A
Let's take a fall hike in the Chuckanuts, the wonderful little range of wooded hills laced with great trails on the way toward Bellingham. This trip will avoid the busy trailheads and the steady flow of hikers heading toward Oyster Dome, and instead climb up "the back side" to an equally grand viewpoint called North Butte. On the way there, we'll pass by pretty Lily Lake, and enjoy some great forest hiking on well-maintained trails. If it's clear, expect views of the San Juan Islands, the Bellingham area, and maybe even Mt. Baker.
Expected Conditions:
The forest trails here in the Chuckanuts are regularly hiked year-round, and generally stay in good condition. We drive to a trailhead at about 900 feet in elevation on the eastern side of the trail system. We ascend, sometimes rather steeply, up to the Lily Lake area at about 2000 feet. Expect some sloppy trail conditions in places, especially if the weather stays wet. From Lily Lake, we can continue up to the summit of North Butte (elevation 2220'). Expect some rocky areas near the top. There are enough trails around the area to provide alternate ways of returning to the trailhead.
Other Considerations:
Wear good traction hiking shoes or boots for this hike, the more pwaterproof, the better. Trekking poles will definitely be helpful for some of the rougher and steeper parts of the trail. Pack food and water in your pack and plan to eat lunch out on the trail.