The Pine and Cedar Lakes Unit is on Chuckanut Mountain. This mostly wooded unit has a popular but steep 2.5-mile trail leading to 2 lowland mountain lakes that offer year-round fishing, especially for rainbow and cutthroat trout, as well as rustic camping opportunities (no campfires allowed). Horseback riding and bicycles are NOT allowed to protect the wetland conditions at both lakes. The Whatcom County Parks Department maintains the parking area and toilet facility at the lakes' trailhead and the trail, which connects with other hiking and mountain bike trails as part of the Whatcom County's Chuckanut Mountain Trail system
The Pine and Cedar Lakes Unit is located several miles south of Bellingham in Whatcom County. The unit can be accessed from Old Samish Road, from 30th Street, off of Fairhaven Parkway.
The Pine and Cedar Lakes Unit lies close to Puget Sound just south of the Canadian border on Chuckanut Mountain.
This unit is part of the Whatcom Wildlife Area.
Game Management Unit: 407
Recreation and public access
A Discover Pass is required on WDFW lands -- including water access areas, wildlife areas, and campgrounds -- unless you already have a Vehicle Access Pass issued with the purchase of an eligible hunting or fishing license. Recreate responsibly on public lands: please know the Public Conduct Rules.
Public facility information:
- Parking area
- Restrooms
- Trail
Recreation and access advisories
- Dogs must be on leash year-round.
- Horseback riding and bicycles are NOT allowed.
- Campfires are prohibited.
- Primitive camping is NOT allowed.
- Unit is jointly managed with Whatcom County Parks Department.
Fishing
A steep 2.5-mile trail leads to two mountain lakes that are stocked with coastal cutthroat trout and rainbow trout every spring.
Wildlife viewing
This unit includes mixed conifer/hardwood forest and lowland mountain lakes, offering opportunities to view a variety of wildlife.
Search for potential birding opportunities on or near a wildlife area unit by using eBird Northwest, a citizen science database portal that provides freely-shared bird lists at 'hotspots' and interactive maps plus other birding information updated daily.
Other recreational opportunities
This unit offers hiking opportunities.
The Whatcom County Parks Department maintains a popular, steep trail that leads to 2 lowland mountain lakes situated above 1,200 feet. The trail is hiked year-round, offering views at the top. This trail connects with the Chuckanut Mountain Trail system.
Conservation
This unit includes 2 lowland mountain lakes located above 1,200 feet. The property is mostly wooded with open water and wetlands at the lakes.
Conservation goals
- Maintain and improve nesting and winter habitat for waterfowl
- Maintain healthy populations of game and non-game species
- Protect and restore native plant communities
- Preserve habitat and species diversity for fish and wildlife resources
- Protect, restore, and enhance wetland and riparian habitats
Land stewardship
The Pine and Cedar Lakes Unit was acquired for fishing and wildlife habitat.
Acquisition history
The parcels making up this area were purchased in 1969.
| Funder | Fund |
|---|---|
| WA Recreation and Conservation Office | State Bond Account |
Management planning
2006 Whatcom Wildlife Area Management Plan
Every eight to 10 years, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) revises management plans for each of its 33 wildlife areas to document current conditions, address new agency initiatives, and identify new management priorities and actions. In between those major revisions, WDFW updates plans every two years to outline short-term objectives and accomplishments. In 2014, WDFW began the process of updating existing plans, many of which were written in 2006. The new plans are being developed with significant public participation and input.