If you’re in or around the Bellingham area, there’s a hike you need to add to your list ASAP. Pine and Cedar Lakes. This hike is a new favorite for so many reasons. Located just outside of Bellingham, the parking lot is almost directly off the main road. No long forest roads for this one! The climb starts immediately and by the time you’re 10 minutes in, all your muscles will be warm and you’ll likely be stopping to peel off layers. Are you looking for a hike that’ll get your heart pumping? Do you have a thing for dreamy board walks? This hike is for you. 
Pictured here is the boardwalk right before Pine Lake
We hiked Pine and Cedar Lakes on a misty day. When we reached the top, we carefully walked the boardwalk to a spot mostly covered by giant cedar trees. Our group was composed of 12 women, 2 babies and a dog. We had a picnic and then headed back down the trail, the same way we came to stop off at Cedar Lake on our way back.
Cedar Lake
A lot of people who are training for harder hikes (like mailbox peak) like this one since it gives your legs that up, up, up workout that so many of us crave. It’s a short hike, only 5 miles total so it won’t take your entire day, either. Push yourself and conquer it in a few hours! The trail is well maintained, which also makes it appealing for trail runners. Beautiful year ’round, this is a hike everyone should have on their list.
The Who, When, Where and Why for Pine and Cedar Lakes:
Who: Anyone who’s in decent hiking shape. The trail gains elevation quickly in the beginning so be prepared to sweat!
What: Pine and Cedar Lakes, 5 miles round trip, 1400 ft. elevation gain
When: Year ’round! This would even be a fun snowshoe if the snow levels were really low. Always be sure to check recent trail reports on the WTA page.
Where: Follow I-5 south from Bellingham and get off on exit 250. Follow Old Fairhaven Parkway/SR 11 west 0.1 miles to 30th St. Turn left on 30th St and, after about a mile, left onto Old Samish Rd. Drive 1.3 miles to the trailhead parking lot on the right.
If you’re coming from the south, take I-5 north to exit 246. Turn left, crossing over the freeway and then make a right on the Old Samish Road. Drive three miles to the trailhead parking sign on the left.
Why: This trail is beautiful, easily accessible, a short little challenge and the lakes are gorgeous. What’s not to love?