This old railroad bed trail has that whole flat thing going for it as in, there ain’t no elevation to be gained or lost the whole way. Plus it’s bordered by Lake Whatcom on its southside and on those hot summer days (both of them), there ain’t a thing in the world to keep you from diving in and splashin’ around. Impressive rock bluff and cascading waterfall at about the 1-mile mark add to the loveliness.
Getting There: Drive east on Lakeway Boulevard for 1.7 miles to Electric Avenue. Turn left and after 1.2 miles, at a 3-way intersection, the road becomes Northshore Drive. Continue on Northshore for 8.3 miles. At a North Lake Whatcom Trailhead sign, turn left. The trailhead parking lot is a half-mile farther on the left.
The Trail
From the parking lot, follow the wide gravel and dirt trail—with a short stretch of boardwalk thrown in—through forest for about a quarter mile. At the T- intersection with the railroad grade trail, run left. If so inclined, veg heavily. Groove on the endorphins. No turns required for almost 3 miles.
At 1.5 miles, an open area with a rope hanging from a tree invites you to cut your run short to take a flying leap. Save it for the way back. At 3.2 miles the trail abruptly ends at a no-nonsense No Trespassing!-signed fence. Turn around and return the same way, making sure to stop and take a swing or two on the rope.