The new Chanterelle trail

 Today we decided to hike the North Lake Whatcom trail, which is just over 6 miles total out and back. What we didn't know was the trail is still closed at the second bridge at about the 2 mile mark. Since we planned on going farther than the trail closed spot, we took a turn and headed up the new Chanterelle trail. Our turn around would be at the new view point. We haven't been up this section yet and were excited to begin our journey.

Roots around a stump

Baby ferns

Boardwalk to the lake

Entrance to the trail now known as the Hertz trail

Merganser and reflection

Trail alongside the lake

Bridge at the one mile mark

Looking up at the rock cliff beside the trail

Heart rock on the trail

Oops dead end at the 2 mile mark

The photo below shows a peek of the bridge with a big red stop sign on it

Beginning our upward journey

A large beautiful conk

The conk from a different angle

My husband counted the steps on our way down

288 steps from the view point

Making our way to the view point

Such a nice area for lunch.

Great view of Lake Whatcom

Making our way back down. I was concerned about how our dog would do going down the steps. I didn't know if she would think it would be great to drag my husband down or not.

Turns out he kept her on a short leash and she behaved her self. 

Remarkable!

It was more of a hike than I'd planned on. I didn't bring my trekking poles which would have helped me greatly on the uphill's. Going up and down the steps brought their own fun to this unique trail. I'm glad we got an opportunity to try this first section of the new trail.

 

Total miles hiked: 6.6

Total ascent: 1051 feet