Take a hike

What: A hike through the forest to two lakes on Blanchard Mountain.

Where: Drive I-5 north to Exit 240 (Alger). Take a left over the overpass for 0.4 mile to Barrel Springs Road. Go left and drive to a right turn (west) on a forest road (B-1000) 1.1 miles from I-5. There should be a sign for Blanchard Hill Trails. At 1.6 miles from I-5 there will be a large parking area. Continue another 1.6 miles on the road to an upper parking area, about 150 yards past a sign for Blanchard Hill Trails. Continue north another 1.2 miles to the Incline Trail on the left. Parking is just beyond the trailhead.

Length: 6.4 miles round trip

Difficulty: Mostly easy, with some moderate uphill

Beginning elevation: 1,050 feet

High point: 2,140 feet

Maps: USGS Bellingham South and USGS Bow

Permits: none

Notes: If the driving directions seem familiar, it’s because we took you up the same road two weeks ago to the Samish Overlook. You drive a little farther and a little higher to start this one. Just beyond the trailhead, the trail splits. Left is the Incline Trail, actually an old cable car route, badly eroded and unpleasant walking. Stay right, taking the Incline Alternate, which takes you up to an old railroad bed. Follow this, passing the Incline Trail junction to your left. At 1.3 miles from the trailhead will be the Lizard Lake trail to your right. It’s a 0.8-mile round trip in and out to this lake. When you get back to the main route, continue south. The trail will turn westward and you’ll reach a junction with the Blanchard Hill Trail coming up from the south. Continue straight for another half-mile to reach Lily Lake, 3.2 miles from the trailhead. At the west end of the lake is a short trail leading to another small lake north of Lily Lake. Check the weather before you go – it’s possible to run into snow this time of year on Blanchard Mountain.

From “Winter Hikes in Puget Sound and the Olympic Foothills” by Bob Mooers (Sasquatch Books)