HomeWashingtonBellingham › Chuckanut Mountain / Pine & Cedar Lakes County Park

Chuckanut Mountain / Pine & Cedar Lakes County Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 128 Google reviews · Running trail in Bellingham, Washington · Open 24 hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Distance
2 mi
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Open 24 hours

Confirmed from Chuckanut Mountain / Pine & Cedar Lakes County Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.

2 miOpen 24hScenicDog-friendlyHillyRestroomsTrailhead parking

Steep hike to alpine lakes nestled in a forested area that’s popular for camping.

What runners say about Chuckanut Mountain / Pine & Cedar Lakes County Park

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (128 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

well-maintained 4 mentions

“The trail is narrow in spaces, but it's well maintained and there seem to be fewer people than on some of the other trails.”

🏞️ beautiful scenery 5 mentions

“The path is well maintained, the views are beautiful, and the reprieve at the top walking around the lake is worth it.”

The Pine & Cedar Lakes trail has a long, steep ascent that requires good athletic fitness. Very scenic & serene, other than some I-5 highway noise. Parking lot at trailhead, however, is not safe due to car break-ins.

★★★★★ — Steven , Jul 2024

Trails were great, well marked. I went to Pine & Cedar Lakes & then went on to Raptor Ridge Lookout. Definitely worth the (basically all up hill from the trailhead) hike. Only mark against is the reputation of vehicle break-ins.

★★★★☆ — Mat , Aug 2021

great hike and great places to camp at the lake. semi difficult hike if you’re taking all your camping gear with you. about 2 mile hike to the lookout point

★★★★★ — Soreya , Jul 2023

A good hiking and running trail. From the trailhead, it's a steep climb for the first mile or so before the incline drops to more reasonable levels. A fast hike will leave you winded and make the legs a little sore. A couple of little running streams on the way up, so dogs don't have to go long.

★★★★★ — Michael , Jul 2020

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 128 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

⛰️ Hills / elevation 22 mentions

“Fun but STEEP trail, the first half mile is all up, our 3 year old soldiered on, but I wouldn't recommend it for younger or inexperienced hikers.”

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🏞️ Scenic views 13 mentions

“The view of Baker at the top is the reward plus bonus still lake with fabulous mirrored reflection blending lake and sky.”

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🅿️ Trailhead parking 11 mentions

“From the trailhead, it's a steep climb for the first mile or so before the incline drops to more reasonable levels.”

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🚻 Restrooms 3 mentions

“Parking and porta-potty at bottom of hill.”

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🐕 Dog-friendly 3 mentions

“A couple of little running streams on the way up, so dogs don't have to go long.”

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Plan your run at Chuckanut Mountain / Pine & Cedar Lakes County Park

The practical stuff

  • AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
  • Distance2 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit
  • ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
  • At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
  • DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
  • Phone(360) 733-2900

Hours

Monday Open 24 hours
Tuesday Open 24 hours
Wednesday Open 24 hours
Thursday Open 24 hours
Friday Open 24 hours
Saturday Open 24 hours
Sunday Open 24 hours

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Chuckanut Mountain / Pine & Cedar Lakes County Park

Pine and Cedar Lakes Trail, Bellingham, WA 98229

Get directions

Running trails near Bellingham

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

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Teddy Bear Cove - Chuckanut Mountain Trails

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Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.