Memorial Day weekend, my friend and I got together for a local hike up to Fragrance Lake. The hike is about 5.2 miles round-trip (hiking guides disagree, estimating the total distance between 4.9 and 5.5 miles), in the Chuckanut Mountains near my home. It begins like other hikes in the Chuckanuts, with a series of switchbacks to take hikers up the steep hill without hiking straight up.
Unless you are an Ironman, you definitely have to stop and rest a few times on this hill. My friend hadn’t done this hike before, and I hadn’t been in several years, so I forgot about the tough beginning. It is a fairly popular hike, so you will encounter dozens of other hikers – you get used to the “pass and be passed” rhythm that develops as you each take breaks at different times.
Once near the top of the hill, there is a bit more gradual hiking before reaching Fragrance Lake. It is a small lake with a 0.75 mile trail around it, offering several spots where visitors can dip a toe in the water or even go swimming, making it a perfect summer destination. There are also several benches to hang out and sit for a while.
On the way back we took the 0.2 mile spur trail that leads to a spectacular view of Bellingham Bay and the San Juan Islands. Stunning!
I love the names of your destinations — Chuckanut Mountains and Fragrance Lake. Were there squirrels in the trees that would chuck a nut at you?
Ha! I don’t even think about it – all our place names around here are odd. I don’t know the answer. I presume that it is a bastardization of a Native American name for these mountains. Most of them are here. Yes, there are lots of squirrels, but I haven’t had one throw a nut at me. Yet… 🙂
Watch out for nutty squirrels!
I will!
working hard, hiking up the steep hill
Absolutely!
That sky is incredible!
I love the hikes in that area. And they are just minutes from home! I’m pretty blessed.
Pingback: Wine and History Visited