Gentler than the rock and glaciated peaks beyond, Sumas Mountain’s forested and rounded summit stands at only 3430 ft. Pleasant forest, unique views, mysterious mining history, easy access even in winter, all contribute to its popularity. The extensive network of trails, maintained by horseback riders provide connections to destinations with colorful names including: Friendly Cabin, Gold Mines, Holy Smoke Tavern, Who Knows Trail, Canadian Border, and Lost Lake.

The most common hiking route is described in detail in local guides. It begins on the west-side at Sealund Road (be respectful of private property). The trail joins an old roadway toward the "gold mines" but soon turns left and climbs steeply. Stopping to enjoy the peek-a-boo views is a good excuse to catch your breath. A park-like area with a rustic cabin and corral unexpectedly opens up in the forest. Enjoy this spot but be careful of the different trail intersections. A mistake, especially when returning, can add miles to your trip back to the car. Further up on the ridge, enjoy the unique views across the Whatcom Flatlands to the San Juan and Gulf Islands. Here the trees thin and the steep cliffs drop to the left opening more views into the Fraser Valley. The ridge eventually blends into a dense forest. Only those prepared with compass and experience should continue on the faint boot trails that lead to Lost Lake and other connections.

The best time to visit Sumas Mountain is anytime the sun is shining. Whether hiking up out of a lowland summertime fog, or breaking trail with new snowshoes you’ll have a good time on Sumas Mountain.

Written By: Bud Hardwick


Comments
The cabin is still there i just hiked the trail august 1st. There is loggin equiptment everywhere. the corral is dystroyed though. you can just as easily walk up the logging road to get to the cabin if you just want to see the cabin. I think the area should have been left alone. It is used alot by hikers and horse people. it was a pleasure ride and now it will need alot of work from the community to restore the trails and keep the mountians history alive.
- melissa on Tue, August 5, 2008

It is sad to see the logging that has interfered with the summit route past the cabin... to correct the comment from 26 November 2007: the cabin is still there, but it now lies less than 30 ft from a logging road. The areas surrounding the cabin have been logged. There is an alternate way to summit, by detouring on the mine loop (very well described in the 20 January 2008 comment) or you can still somewhat follow the old summit trail, but be careful. Here are directions: from the cabin take a right up the logging road. There will be a slight pullout on your right, go past it, take the next spur you see on the right, it resembles a cul-de-sac. (You should still be able to see the cabin when you take this right, if you go around a curve in the main logging road and lose sight of the cabin, you have gone too far.) So then: walk to nearly the end of the cul-de-sac and on your left some of us hikers have placed markers/pillions and started to clear a path through the mess left by the logging. If you see markers, head generally straight for the untouched trees. The original trail is easy to see just inside the untouched treeline. You will quickly be at the upper mine loop junction. Take a left to summit, a right takes you back through the mines. *Disclaimer, this is my personal experience and is current only as of today 25 May 2008. With the land sale signage I observed it is very possible this may not work even next week, the logging is getting very intense up there. Also if you choose to try to follow the old summit trail, please, please be VERY careful walking through the downed trees and brush, the footing is terrible.
- Carly Peach on Sun, May 25, 2008

Indeed logging is interfering with hiking the route to the summit from Sealund Rd, but one can still get there by keeping right towards the gold mines instead of heading left up to the cabin. A 1/2 mile later keep left (the only other left) up the hill then a right to regain the route above the cabin. This route too may soon be in danger according to timber sale signs. Now I'm all for occasional logging on public land to fund state projects, but this is one of Whatcom County's hidden gems and its really a shame that it is being destroyed without any consultation. The north side of this mountain really should be protected for the recreational and ecological treasure that it is. They can log the south half all they want.
- Chris on Sun, January 20, 2008

I hiked sumas Mt. last saterday for the fith time, They have been logginf it and many of the trails are close or destoyed and the cabin is gone, Just thought i would let you know.
- Alec on Mon, November 26, 2007

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