The route splits multiple times; just try to follow the route that looks the most traveled and it should lead you to Tapto Lakes. Little Beaver Trail via Hannegan Pass is a 31.9 mile moderately trafficked point-to-point trail located near Fraser Valley E, British Columbia, Canada that features a river and is rated as difficult. Whatcom Falls Park We went to Whatcom Falls Park for the purpose of hiking, and were amazed at the beauty of the park. The Railroad Trail continues left past a pond to end at a three-way traffic light on the corner of … It was a very long slow brush slog down to the Big Beaver trail and then another 1200 foot climb to our Beaver Pass camp. Hiker Headlines: Sno-Parks, Highway 20, Gorge Trails, Winning Photos. North Lake Whatcom Park / Hertz Trail (Bellingham) – 3 miles of trail A level scenic lakeside trail snuggled tightly between Stewart Mountain and Lake Whatcom. North Cascades National Park. Today, it’s an easy stroll for all ages. Via Perfect Pass. It’s also a good place to stop for restrooms and to fill up water bottles. Seattle, WA 98104. If these are full try hiking northward from the trail to Tapto Lakes where you'll find a few other campsites with easy water access. You can purchase a Northwest Forest Pass (required for trailhead parking) here. You can improve or add to this guidebook entry, Washington Trails Association Whatcom County Parks. From Big Beaver Camp on Ross Lake to Hwy 20 it is an easy seven mile walk mainly in the shade on a flat trail. Many routes wind through the forests here, some overlooking the creek gorge and still pools. HOW TO GET THERE. Baker. These high alpine lakes sit in very fragile environments so keep on the trail and resist the temptation to stomp on the delicate plant life. If the trail is packed, think about coming back another time. There are two entrances to Whatcom Falls Park. (7,106ft) as a good day trip. In the heart of the park, Whatcom Pass is quintessential North Cascades wilderness. I wish we had more of these in the Cascades. Nestled between Lake Whatcom and the bay, Bellingham is outrageously well-stocked with recreational opportunities. You do not need an ice ax as recommended by the Ranger Station. We finally had to beg one from California tourists. Now here is a great hike to test your backpacking character. Contact Us. Hands are needed in a few spots. The basin contains on large lake and several smaller lakes set in a heather filled subalpine meadow. Whatcom Pass Hike Info. Walking over the dam is always interesting and finally we were at the parking lot with one more test of endurance. Photo courtesy: Whatcom County Backcountry … We arrived at the fancy Ross Lake camp with picnic tables, real toilets, and a very delightful swim in the lake. We went to Whatcom Falls Park for the purpose of hiking, and were amazed at the beauty of the park. The exuberance of that crossing was not dampened by the rain that started falling again as we climbed up to Whatcom Pass along Brush Creek. Fortunately, the sun was out and the weather was beautiful. But several sources point to Hannegan for easy-to-access and family-friendly snowshoeing when the snow level is low enough. Whatcom Pass After waiting in line for the Glacier Park Office to open at 8:00 and then waiting for my turn in line, I finally received all the necessary paper work. On the eastern side of Whatcom Pass the trail continues. This “loop” requires a water taxi either to or from Little Beaver to complete the final leg—there is no connecting trail along Ross Lake that joins Little Beaver landing to another trail. This “loop” requires a water taxi either to or from Little Beaver to complete the final leg—there is no connecting trail along Ross Lake that joins Little Beaver landing to another trail. Directions. Jensen Family Forest Park 8051 Stein Road, Custer, WA. Dropping down the east side the views were spectacular and the engineering of the trail with 56 steep switchbacks was quite a marvel. By morning the rain had stopped and we headed out toward the cable car crossing of the Chilliwack. Whatcom Creek Trail East is a mellow trail that starts near Lake Whatcom and leads through the Whatcom Falls Park to Woburn Street. So far so good. A string of mules are ready to pack lumber up the Hannegan Pass trail off of Mt. Baker Highway. 6:00 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Miraculously, that trail had been cleared or trees and we made it to camp at 7:45. Users: Hikers and bicyclists. You begin on the Hannegan Pass trail which is accessed from the Mt. There is … Whatcom Falls Park is located at 1401 Electric Avenue in the Whatcom Falls Neighborhood. It was amazing how your feet were able to sense the trail when the brush was so thick that when Bump was ten feet in front of me she was not visible. After we reached the bottom and Little Beaver Creek the real brush walk began. We put on chaps and pack covers. Not only do they "do it" in the woods, they usually do it on the trail. The trail started with a relatively gentle grade, but there was about 1 mile of trail that climbed over 2,000 feet to Whatcom Pass which was exhausting to get up. There is no snow of any consequence on either side of the pass. 5,206’). It rises out of deep untouched forest valleys to jaw-dropping views of rugged glacier-clad peaks, far away from any road, town or cell signal. My wife dropped Bump and me off at the Hannegan trail head. Not only do they "do it" in the woods, they usually do it on the trail. The trail ascends steeply up switchbacks through a forest of large firs with views out to large, gnarly peaks. Whatcom Pass was completely clear, with the trail in decent shape. Our tax identification number is EIN 91-0900134. The Miranda trail gets you onto the mountain and from there you can access a number of trails options. There are many opportunities to explore the lakes and to take in views of the rugged North Cascade peaks across the lakes. We had lunch and continued down to the US Cabin camp getting in early enough for a refreshing dip in the river. It's less than 5 mil… Overview. Once I made it over Whatcom Pass, the trail descended for pretty much the rest of the day, losing all that hard-fought rise in elevation. Roundtrip: 1.6 miles. Add a day for a side trip to scenic Whatcom Pass, with views of Challenger glacier and peak. Washington Trails Association is 501(c)(3) nonprofit. The water temperature was perfect. Enjoy views of Lake Whatcom and Lookout Mountain. Northside: The northside accesses the mountain at Birch St. from downtown Bellingham off of Lakeway Dr. with a parking lot and on street parking or park in Whatcom Falls Park and ride to the entrance. The way to the pass was easy and clear of snow. I arrived at the Hannegan trail head and started walking at 9:30. Every hundred feet or so there was a large pile of bear scat to step over. A WPA-built stone bridge greets visitors, just 100 yards from the parking area. Seattle, WA 98104. 5,066’). Higher up we had to struggle through long sections of very dense wet brush and dozens of blow downs. There are two primitive camping sites on the pass close to the trail. A string of mules are ready to pack lumber up the Hannegan Pass trail off of Mt. 2. 6:00 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Our tax identification number is EIN 91-0900134. You can climb Whatcom Peak via the North Ridge from Whatcom Pass at 5200 feet. :: 17 miles one-way to Whatcom Pass (2000′ gain to Hannegan, 2600′ loss down to the Chilliwack crossing, 3000′ gain back up to Whatcom Pass); another 1.5 miles to Tapto Lakes with an additional 1000′ gain/300′ loss; total time from trailhead to Tapto Lakes = 7 hours. Lake Whatcom Hertz Trail (north side of Lake Whatcom) Running for 3 miles along Lake Whatcom’s northern shoreline, the Hertz Trail features covered bridges, quiet beaches, and calming fall colors. One is from Haneggan Pass (note info above), but stay on main trail system to Whatcom Pass 17 miles from the trailhead at the Hannegan Pass area. Whatcom County Hiking Trails. Lake Padden’s 2.6-mile loop trail is an excellent year-round walking destination near … Pause to enjoy the view before descending to Little Beaver Creek and then climbing to the course high point at Whatcom Pass (elev. A hundred yards from camp we encountered the first "trail by brail" section of over the head brush. There are two entrances to Whatcom Falls Park. These trails are accessed east of the town of Glacier on Mount Baker Highway. Here the trail follows Brush Creek to its confluence with the Chilliwack River, then climbs again to Hannegan Pass (elev. We didnt have the time, but from the pass you can follow a trail north up Hannegan Peak (6,186ft) for great views of Shuksan, the Pickets, and Mt. Stop at the Glacier Public Service Center for trail maps, road conditions, and to speak with a ranger. Elevation Gain: 220 feet. A composting toilet is available at Whatcom Camp. 5,066’). Chanterelle Trail Difficulty: Moderate, with an elevation gain of 2,200 feet over 5 miles in Lake Whatcom Park near Bellingham. The trail then follows the railroad grade south for 2.9 miles. [img:327982:alignleft:smallThere are two basic ways to climb Whatcom Peak, neither is quick and easy. This "trail" is really more of an unmaintained route that is rugged, overgrown, and is sometimes hard to follow. It rises out of deep untouched forest valleys to jaw dropping views of rugged glacier clad peaks. We took the main trail, and it was for the most part an easy hike. Trip stats on Whatcom Pass. Contributions to WTA are tax deductible, and we are committed to making the best use of every donation to our mission. Far away from any road town or cell signal. Unfortunately, the black flies were a force to be reckoned with. 705 2nd Ave, Suite 300 Every hundred feet or so there was a large pile of bear scat to step over. Continue on the rail trail, pass over Alabama St on a large bridge with a great view of the bay and San Juan Islands. Josh VanderYacht Memorial Park 4106 Valley Highway, Deming, WA. After leaving Bear Creek Camp and retracing my route west along the Chilliwack river, I continued past the previous day's junction to the Brush Creek trail, which heads 2500 feet up to Whatcom Pass. Lighthouse Marine Park 811 Marine Drive, Point Roberts, WA. We took the main trail, and it was for the most part an easy hike. To access the sports field and upper playground, use the entrance at 1401 Electric Ave. It took two hours to hitch a ride! At 5,200 feet and three miles from Graybeal Camp you reach Whatcom Pass. Washington Trails Association This railroad-turned-trail once served the Blue Canyon Mines at the south end of the lake. 6. Hannegan Pass Road. The seven different sports that make up the annual Ski to Sea Race stages are a great showcase of the variety of activities that can be enjoyed in this small city. You could not see your feet or your waist in this dense tangle of bracken ferns, thimble berry, nettles, false hellebore, and numerous other species of ankle grabbers. My first visit had been way back in the late-eighties and I’ve been wanting to go back ever since. 5,206’). https://www.alltrails.com › parks › us › washington › whatcom-falls-park The basin is shaped somewhat like an amphitheater, with the main show being the stupendous views of Mount Challenger and Whatcom … The trail begins with a gradual slope through a lush forest to the interpretive kiosk at the lakeshore. Subscribe to our free email newsletter for hiking events, news, gear reviews and more. The climb up to Tapto Lakes from Whatcom Pass is even steeper, as it's really just a rough boot path. Whatcom Falls Park is located at 1401 Electric Avenue in the Whatcom Falls Neighborhood. Point Roberts. The trail up Brush Creek to Whatcom Pass is located 7 miles (11 km) from Boundary Camp, and is just east of the Chilliwack River crossing. 1. That night we were awakened by deep rolling thunder and lightning and rain. Here the trail follows Brush Creek to its confluence with the Chilliwack River, then climbs again to Hannegan Pass (elev. Trails (PDF) Hours. If you have an ice ax and crampons, you can follow a trail south from Hannegan pass and climb Ruth Mtn. The first quarter-mile of the trail is … The cable car is the most interesting way to get across a river. Contributions to WTA are tax deductible, and we are committed to making the best use of every donation to our mission. Photo courtesy: Whatcom County Backcountry … Interurban Trail North Chuckanut Mountain Trailhead, Bellingham, WA. Put your pack on one side, sit on the other, and safely pull yourself across fifty feet above the raging river. Don't take the Twin Lakes Road immediately past the Transportaion Maintenace buildings, but real close is the second gravel road taking you to Hannegan Pass Trail. There are three and a half miles of trails in Whatcom Falls Park. There's a lot to look at including lush forests, waterfalls, and a stone bridge (circa 1939). Most of the trail is a wide leisurely gravel path, but there are two sets of large stairs that are best walked. Baker Hwy (#542)in Bellingham WA, off I-5. Elevation: 2,000 feet; Parking: Northwest Forest Pass required; Personally, I haven’t snowshoed at Hannegan Pass Road yet. The crown jewel of the exclave of… The trail up Brush Creek to Whatcom Pass is located 7 miles (11 km) from Boundary Camp, and is just east of the Chilliwack River crossing. I needed a few breaks and it probably took me at least an hour to make it up to the pass. Some wind through open meadows, while others stay in deep forest. Round trip: 6.2 miles. Pause to enjoy the view before descending to Little Beaver Creek and then climbing to the course high point at Whatcom Pass (elev. There are two main points to access Galbraith, the northside or the southside. The Trail Road is a left turn off Mt Baker HWY about 13 miles beyond the town of Glacier. Tapto Lakes sit in a basin about 800′ above Whatcom Pass. Drive around the north end of the lake and almost to the end of North Shore Road to get to the parking lot and trailhead. From Bellingham, drive east 46 miles on Highway 542 to Hannegan Pass Road. Baker Highway. 705 2nd Ave, Suite 300 Hertz Trail. In the heart of the park, Whatcom Pass is quintessential North Cascades wilderness. The Hertz Trail is an easy hike or bike along the shore of Lake Whatcom on the grade of the former Bellingham & Eastern Railway. We then decended 1 mile to boundry camp and connected with the Copper Ridge Trail just past the camp. To access the sports field and upper playground, use the entrance at 1401 Electric Ave. If you have an ice ax and crampons, you can follow a trail south from Hannegan pass and climb Ruth Mtn. ... Washington Trails Association is 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Lake Whatcom Park 3220 Northshore Road, Bellingham, WA. Once you've made your way to Whatcom Pass, take in the views of Whatcom Peak, Easy Peak, Mount Challenger and many more jagged peaks in the heart of the North Cascade range. Whatcom Pass and Tapto Lakes. The trail is primarily used for hiking, camping, bird watching, and backpacking and … Half an hour before the Pass the rain stopped, the sun came out and we were able to have a dry lunch. The next morning we had a delightful stroll down to Ross Lake on a clear trail through some magnificent cedar groves. The Hertz Trail is an easy hike or bike along the shore of Lake Whatcom on the grade of the former Bellingham & Eastern Railway. After the previous day we deserved a bit of "proper" trail. The exuberance of that crossing was not dampened by the rain that started falling again as we climbed up to Whatcom Pass along Brush Creek. We did some trail maintenance for the trail crew with 9 pair of loppers issued to us by the Park Service at our request. (We reversed this as a traverse, down climbing the North Ridge).There are two ways to get to Whatcom Pass. Washington Trails Association 705 2nd Ave, Suite 300 Seattle, WA 98104 (206) 625-1367. Contributions to WTA are tax deductible, and we are committed to making the best use of every donation to our mission. Around 2.5 miles you'll reach Whatcom Park and soon a major intersection. Turn left and drive 5 miles to the trailhead at the end of the road. All in all, it was a most fantastic trip. Graybeal Camp is located 2 miles (3 km) up the valley, and Whatcom Camp is just before the pass. Our tax identification number is EIN 91-0900134. And oh yes, it was all drenched from the rain. The trail to Tapto Lakes starts at Whatcom Pass. Subscribe to our free email newsletter for hiking events, news, gear reviews and more. My first visit was way back in the late eighties and I’ve been wanting to go back ever since. Washington Trails Association is 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Trails (PDF) Hours. Lake Padden. Whatcom County is a dreamland for trail runners, making it one of the best places to run single track trails in the country. 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