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Fragrance Lake Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 308 Google reviews · Running trail in Bellingham, Washington · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- 0.6 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Fragrance Lake Trailhead'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.
Scenic waterside retreat with hiking paths leading to a lake and bay views.
What runners say about Fragrance Lake Trailhead
“The highlights are the overview of the bay about 1 mile in and Fragrance Lake itself which is beautiful with a nice loop around it.”
“Fragrance lake is pretty and the creeks flowing into and out of the lake among the ferns on the loop are peaceful.”
Easy to intermediate. Benches to rest on. 5-7 steep inclines. Traversing steep spots. Flat in some areas. Go to the look out point. Parking in small lot at base of trail head typically full on weekends/holidays/summer. Keep driving past lot and a bigger lot with restroom on your left.
One of the best hikes within 1.5hr drive from Seattle. The trails are wide, well maintained, and quite gentle- excellent for people with some knee issues like myself. If you don’t have a pass for parking, you can pay onsite. It takes about 4hr hike round trip.
What a pristine kept area for hiking. They've done an amazing job keeping this lake as it was 100 years ago. I've been coming here since I was born. Back when I was a kid it was an extreme popular trout fishing lake. I suggest parking at the more secure lot near the ranger station.
This is a good starting point for a run or hike in Larrabee State Park. The parking area fits 6 to 10 cars and it is across the street from the campground with restroom facilities. The trail leads to a lookout in .9 miles and Fragrance Lake in 2 miles. The lake features a .75 mile loop.
Trail conditions & character
“I love this place because it is so close to town and you have a choice to either branch off and overlook the sound or hike up and around fragrance lake.”
“There is also a lookout point between the start of the trailhead and the lake, and if you go during a half foggy day, the sunset is stunning there.”
“It was already noon, still saw several banana slugs and cool looking mosses & fungi 🥹🥹 The uphill climb was a bit tiring for a beginner, but it’s really worth it!”
“The highlights are the overview of the bay about 1 mile in and Fragrance Lake itself which is beautiful with a nice loop around it.”
“The parking area fits 6 to 10 cars and it is across the street from the campground with restroom facilities.”
“Fragrance lake is pretty and the creeks flowing into and out of the lake among the ferns on the loop are peaceful.”
“I went today for a quick walk up to the viewpoint with my dog and the wind was blowing the leaves around-absolutely lovely.”
“The trail is rated moderate, though it may feel more challenging depending on your fitness level.”
Plan your run at Fragrance Lake Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- Loop distance0.6 mi back to where you parked
- 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.
- Websitewta.org
- Phone(206) 625-1367
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–6 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–6 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–6 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–6 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–6 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–6 PM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–6 PM |
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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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