squires lake park

Squires Lake Park represents the marvelous end results of two different counties (Whatcom & Skagit) who worked together to create this little gem of a park, located only a few miles south of Bellingham, WA. The land was originally worked and homesteaded in the early 1900 by the Squires family. Interesting plaques with historical information dot the trail and are worth taking the time to read. The parking lot is located less than a mile east of I-5, exit 242. Parking for 15 with a portapotty. Trail to the lake is steep but a short and sweet 1/2 mile. The lake is sweet. A 2 mile flat trail skirts the pristine shoreline. You'll find some nice benches along the way for a picnic lunch or contemplation. If you choose, on the east end of the lake are signs that will take you to the scenic portion of the hike, You can go on up to the "Alps" portion of the hike or continue around the lake and back down. I've done both - just depends on how much time you have and what you want to experience. There is one hairy place on the ridge near the top where the trail is nearly missing and it is steep on both sides. However, this is very short (literally a step) and their are trees and such to grab on to, to get you through. The views from the ridge are interesting. Up at the top, the tree's have given the views more of a filtered look, but stunning non-the-less. Trip to the top from the end of the lake is another 1 - 2 miles. Truly, this is a very special place, peaceful and so pleasant, with immediate returns.