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Lily And Lizard Lakes

Address

Barrel Springs Rd.
Bellingham , WA 98225

Hours

Every day Dawn - Dusk

Review

Photo Credit: Wayne Berry
Every foot of the five mile hike up Blanchard Mountain to Lily and Lizard Lakes is well worth the effort. After parking in the lower parking lot, I began hiking from the trailhead 500 feet further down the road. The trail begins with a gentle incline and several switchbacks allowing the hiker to warm up. There is not much tree cover here, but soon I had a great view of Mt. Baker and the surrounding valley. About a mile later I arrived at the second parking lot. From there, I turned left on the gravel road and a minute later was back on the trail. This entrance is also the overnight camping registration station. The trail is well-maintained by Whatcom County's Backcountry Horsemen's Association and is thus open not only to mountain bikers and hikers, but also to horses.

Before hitting the depths of the forest, the trail borders the treeline, offering fabulous views of Skagit Valley, the San Juan Islands, and on a clear day, Mt. Rainer and the Olympic Mountains. Steeper inclines and switchbacks then take you another three miles to the top where there is a split in the trail: turn right and head a mile down the path toward Lizard Lake where there are camping and horse facilities (even rustic stabling facilities for camping with horses) or go left about 500 yards to Lily Lake. There is an additional split in the trail, giving you the choice to head straight to the Oyster Dome and the Bat Caves or turn right to Lily Lake.

Whether you like hiking or biking or horseback riding, the real reward is to sit by either lake for a while, far from the city, and to remember that silence is the natural sound of the world.

Note: there are campsites at both lakes with toilet facilities and fire pits. The elevation is approx. 1500 feet. Allow about 5 to 8 hours for the trip, bring a snack and plenty of water.
Written By: Hilary Higgins
On: 5/3/1999

Directions

Get off the I-5 South at exit 240 (Alger), turn right and then take a left on Barrel Springs road. Take a right on a well-graveled road signposted "Blanchard Mountain Trail. Park at the lower parking lot or continue another 2 miles to the upper parking lot.

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Biking Trails
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