To get to the Raptor Ridge trail head, we had to hike more than half way up the steep Pine and Cedar Lake trail. After about a mile, we stopped to rest on some tree stumps. There was a sign for Pine and Cedar Lakes, but none for Raptor Ridge. Here, there was a trail leading off to the right. This is NOT the correct trail; it disappears into the undergrowth further on. We continued up the main trail for a quarter mile to where it meets another trail leading off to the right. This is the Raptor Ridge trail head.

The trail is wide and quite level. In fact, it slopes gently down through deciduous trees. The sun dappled through the turning leaves and the haunting cry of a large bird somewhere high above made us jump. We felt as if we were moving through a lost world, through the seldom trodden depths of the forest.

A half mile later we came to a rustic roundabout and encountered our first signpost for Raptor Ridge. Turning left, we then crossed several newly-made wooden foot bridges and began to ascend; climbing up stone steps carved in the rock. Suddenly, we stepped out of the forest and onto the ridge. We found ourselves standing on a rocky outcrop with a sheer drop down into a valley. Around us we saw nothing but dense forest and the Chuckanut mountains with the Cascades peeking out from behind. Raptor Ridge is aptly named for it could easily have been the site of a raptor's lofty eerie.

Note: If you have a dog with you, be careful as you near the ridge because the path stops abruptly and your dog may not. It's a long way down.

Written By: Hilary  Higgins

Features
Walking Trails

Comments
Another way to and from Raptor Ridge is to start at Arroyo Park and continue south on the Interurban Trail, then turn left (uphill) on the trail marked for Lost Lake. Follow this 0.6 mile to where the trail merges left onto an abandoned gravel road. In 0.1 mile come to a signed junction next to a swamp. You'll take the left (straight ahead) branch, recently named the Hemlock Trail. Follow this for about 2 miles, first on abandoned road and then on a fairly new trail, to a small sign directing you to Raptor Ridge. Return the same way unless you want a road walk for 2 miles from the base of the Pine-Cedar Lakes Trail back to Arroyo Park.
- Doug McKeever on Tue, April 4, 2000

This is a trail that was built by volunteers under the supervision of Ken Wilcox and Steve LeCocq with the Whatcom County Parks. The Chuckanuts are something else.
- Larry Simkins on Mon, January 10, 2000

Add Your Comments
Please Enter ONLY Comments. DO NOT ENTER Questions or requests for information. They will NOT be answered and will be deleted. You need to contact the establishments directly for answers to your questions.

Your Name

Your Email

Subject of Comment

Your Comment

Type The Characters You See From The Image Below

Want us to link your web site? Just Fill Our our link request form by clicking here.

See something you like? Something you don't like? Send us your feedback. Let us know what you want to see on Whatcom County, it's your web site! Email us at webmaster@kulshan.com

Copyright 1999-2006 Berry International ALL RIGHTS RESERVED