Edfro Creek Preserve
Near Acme, at the confluence of Skookum Creek and the South Fork of the Nooksack River, lies the 135-acre Whatcom Land Trust Edfro Creek Preserve. It is a very accessible forest, with a wild quality but a nicely maintained out-and-back trail of about 4.7 miles.
Once known as the “Thousand Puddles Trail,” and formerly used by ATVs, it is now much improved — hikers can expect to keep their feet dry on the trail, which is mostly gravel for the first mile or more. The first mile is on the preserve, and then hikers continue for another 3.7 miles into Department of Natural Resources (DNR) property.
In the right season, you might spot hooded mergansers bobbing in the river, kingfishers defending their territories along the shore, and an occasional bald eagle roosting in their nest. There is evidence of elk passing through (tracks, beds and droppings). Several species of bats have been noted to use the property. Morels, oysters and other mushrooms have been found there too.
Most days, you’ll not see another person on the trail, and feel like you have it all to yourself.
The DNR portion of this trail was clearcut around 2011 and is less maintained than the first mile of trail, which parallels the South Fork Nooksack River, running close to the river, crossing small creeks along the way. The first mile of property was purchased from a logging company by Whatcom Land Trust (the Trust) and protected as the Edfro Creek Preserve.
The trail has been much improved since its Thousand Puddle days. Since at least 2015, the Trust has partnered with the Washington Conservation Corps to conduct trail improvements.
From Highway 9, take Saxon Road to the end. On the left is Skookum Creek Fish Hatchery. Park at the hatchery, walk over the road bridge that crosses Skookum Creek and stay to your right. Walk through (or around) the logging road gate which is often open. The trailhead is on the right, marked by large concrete barriers to prevent vehicle traffic.
Sehome Hill Arboretum
Escape to the Sehome Hill Arboretum, a 175.5 acre oasis located on the south side of Bellingham adjacent to the Western Washington University Campus. Wander along the trails through the native mature tree canopy. Classes are often taught here, taking advantage of the natural habitat. Make sure to look up to see where the quarry once occupied the hill. Meander down the trail to find a geologic outcrop. Don’t forget to visit the observation tower, as almost any of the trails in the Arboretum will lead you there. Climb to the top for sweeping views of the cityscape and Bellingham Bay.
Hours: 6 a.m. – dusk
Directions: The entrance to Sehome Hill Arboretum is located on Bill McDonald Parkway at 25th Street near the south end of Western Washington University’s campus in the Sehome Neighborhood. Pedestrian access at the intersections of:
- Jersey Street and East Myrtle Street
- The northern end of 25th Street
- Allen Avenue and 32nd Street
Oyster Dome
Oyster fishing and logging were the dominant industries in the Chuckanut area from the late-19th to early 20th centuries. The forest lands of Blanchard Mountain became state trust lands in the 1920s and 1930s, giving the forest a needed respite. Much of the forest on Blanchard is second-growth; logging artifacts can be seen on the trail, and giant stumps inspire imagining the towering cathedral forests that blanketed the mountain prior to logging.
Access to Oyster Dome is best from the Samish Overlook parking area on Blanchard Mountain. It’s a bit of a rough road to get there, but the views from the beginning and end of the hike are well worth it.
From the trailhead, head northwest on a section of the Pacific Northwest Trail, entering the second-growth forest of Blanchard Mountain. In 0.4 miles, descend 190 feet to the junction with the Samish Bay Connector and turn right.
You ascend as the trail switchbacks steeply through second growth alder, Western red cedar, and Douglas fir forest. Logging artifacts can be seen on the trail, and giant stumps inspire you to imagine what grew on Blanchard prior to logging. The elevation gain briefly becomes gentler as you cross several small creeks. This area receives substantial rainfall, and the Washington Conservation Corps has built turnpikes to reduce the number of water spots and mudholes.
After another one-half mile, the grade steepens, and switchbacks fortified by rock walls lift you past giant boulders. Here, formerly rooty and slippery sections have been bypassed or rehabilitated by WTA volunteers in 2014, 2015, and 2016. At 1.9 miles from the Samish Overlook, you will come to a junction with the trail to Lily and Lizard Lakes. A turn to the right takes you to the lakes; but you’ll continue to the left on the trail to Oyster Dome, which is now one-quarter mile away. The trail climbs steeply, crosses a creek, and heads left. Here it becomes fainter and it’s harder to tell where the true trail is. Refer to your map to determine which is the best route.
One-tenth of a mile past the creek crossing, emerge from the forest onto the rocky promontory called Oyster Dome. Arrayed before you are the Skagit River flats and Anacortes to the left. Lummi Island and Orcas Island are in the foreground and background, respectively, to the right. Samish Bay is below you, and in the distance are Vancouver Island and the Olympic Mountains. Birds of prey, including bald eagles, may circle above you. A word of caution: be careful near the edge of the promontory, as the dropoff is unforgiving; keep children and pets away from the edge.
