Little Cranberry Lake — A perfect complement hike to your Thanksgiving Day celebration

Quick Facts: Location: Anacortes-Fidalgo Island Land Agency: Anacortes Community Forest Lands Roundtrip: 1.9 miles Elevation Gain: 100 feet Access:  From Exit 230 on I-5 in Burlington, head west on SR 20 to junction with SR 20-Spur. Continue right on SR 20-Spur to Anacortes. At traffic light near old town, continue left on 12th Street (still SR 20-Spur and12th Street…

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Lizard and Lily Lakes

Peaceful wandering near the Oyster Dome Quick Facts: Location: Blanchard State Forest Distance: 7.5 miles roundtrip Elevation Gain: 1,500 feet Contact: Washington Department of Natural Resources Map: Square One Maps Chuckanut Recreation Area Notes: Discover Pass required to park at trailheads Trailhead directions: From I-5 Exit 240 in Alger head north on Lake Samish Road…

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Northern State Recreation Area

Wander the former farm grounds of a state mental health hospital Quick Facts: Location: Skagit Valley Distance: more than 7.0 miles of trails Elevation Gain: up to 400 feet Contact: Skagit County ParksDetailed Information: Urban Trails Bellingham (Mountaineers Books) Notes: dogs permitted on leash; park open dawn to dusk. Access:  From Exit 230 on I-5…

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Mount Erie

Fidalgo Island highpoint grants sweeping views Quick Facts: Location: Fidalgo Island Land Agency: Anacortes Community Forest Lands (ACFL) Round Trip: 5.2 miles Elevation Gain: 910 feet Contact: Anacortes Parks and Recreation Detailed Information: Day Hiking San Juans and Gulf Islands (Mountaineers Books) Map: online Notes: Dogs permitted on leash. Some trails open to bicycles, horses…

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Oyster Dome─The Pearl of the Chuckanut Mountains

Quick Facts: Location: Chuckanut Mountains Land Agency: Washington Department of Natural Resources Roundtrip: 6.5 miles Elevation Gain: 1,900 feet Special Note: Oyster Dome can be hazardous in icy and wet conditions. Trail can be extremely popular, opt for a weekday visit. Contact: Washington DNR, Northwest Region; www.dnr.wa.gov Access: Trailhead is located just past milepost 10…

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Skagit Wildlife Area—Headquarters Unit

Supreme birdwatching on the Skagit River Delta Quick Facts: Location: Fir Island, Skagit County Land Agency: Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) Round Trip: 1.9 miles of trails Elevation Gain: minimal Contact: Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) Detailed Information: Urban Trails Bellingham (Mountaineers Books) Notes: Discover Pass or WDFW Vehicle Access Pass…

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Lookout Loop

A good grunt to a so-so viewpoint in a great new forest preserve Quick Facts: Location: Lookout Mountain Forest Preserve Land Agency: Whatcom County Parks Round Trip: 4.0 miles Elevation Gain: 850 feet Contact: Whatcom County Parks Notes: dogs permitted on leash, trail open to mountain bikes Recommended Guidebook: Urban Trails Bellingham (Mountaineers Book) Access:…

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Your Neighborhood

Quick Facts: Location: Throughout the Northwest Land Agency: families, HOAs, sundry municipalities and park districts Distance: as far and as long as you like, but do it regularly Elevation Gain: elevated mood Contact: Your friends and neighbors (from a safe distance) and share some good news Notes: Dogs encouraged, no fees, no groups, stay six…

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Sugarloaf — Savor Sweet Salish Sea Views

Quick Facts: Location: Anacortes, Fidalgo Island Land Agency: Anacortes Community Forest Lands Roundtrip: 2.5 miles Elevation gain: 650 feet Contact: Anacortes Parks and Recreation   Notes: dogs permitted on leash; some trails open to bicycles, horses. Access: From Exit 230 on I-5 in Burlington, head west on SR 20 for 13.5 miles. Turn right onto…

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Chuckanut Ridge — Follow a rough and tumble ridge to sweeping viewpoints

Quick Facts: Location: Chuckanut Mountains Land Agency: Whatcom County Parks and Washington State Parks Round Trip: 10.8 miles roundtrip Elevation Gain: 2000 feet Contact: Whatcom County Parks Recommended Resource: Urban Trails Bellingham (Mountaineers Books) Detailed map: Square One Maps Chuckanut Recreation Area Notes: Dogs allowed on leash Access: From Bellingham follow I-5 south to Fairhaven…

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