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.
I love how the trees just find a way to grow over the rocks.
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.
Dappled sunlight through the canopy.
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.
A peek-a-boo view of Fragrance Lake
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!
Girlfriend selfie at the overlook
An amazing blue sky over Bellingham Bay
Wine and History Visited 
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.
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