2025 Trail Challenge



Let’s hit the trails! From now through October 1, 2025, complete 8 out of 10 hikes from one of our challenge lists and you’ll be entered to win some awesome prizes. To participate, post a photo from each hike on Instagram with the hashtag #BCETrailChallenge2025 — that’s your ticket into the raffle when the challenge wraps up!


You can choose from two hike options:

Challenge Hikes – a mix of classic and adventurous trails.

Accessible Hikes – scenic routes that are welcoming to a wider range of abilities.


Pick your path, enjoy the journey, and don’t forget to share your trail moments. Let’s make this your best hiking season yet!

Happy Hiking!

Challenge Trails

Raptor Ridge Loop (Chuckanuts)

Distance: 7.4 M

Elevation Gain: 1,620 feet

Summary : This 7.4-mile loop near Bellingham, Washington, is a moderately challenging hike that takes about 3 hours and 50 minutes to complete. While it's popular with hikers, it offers quieter moments during off-peak hours. Best hiked from January to November.

Lake Whatcom via Hertz Trail (Lake Whatcom)

Distance: 6.3 M

Elevation Gain: 219 feet

Summary : This 6.3-mile out-and-back near Acme, WA takes about 2 hours. Popular year-round for hiking, biking, and birding, it features lake views, waterfalls, and lush forest. The trail ends at private property after 3 miles. Dogs allowed on leash.

Alger Alps Trail (Sedro-Wooley)

Distance: 4.1 M

Elevation Gain: 1,092 feet

Summary : This 4.1-mile out-and-back near Sedro-Woolley, WA is a moderately challenging hike taking about 2 hours. It climbs through forest to a scenic Skagit Valley viewpoint. Expect some steep sections and spring wildflowers. Popular year-round; parking is limited, so arrive early.

Nooksack Cirque (542)

Distance: 11.5 M

Elevation Gain: 1,230 feet

Summary : This 11.5-mile out-and-back near Glacier, WA is a challenging hike taking about 4.5 hours. It’s popular for hiking, birding, and backpacking, especially from May to November. Dogs are allowed, some off-leash.

The trail can be tricky to find at first—look for the bridge and narrow path. Once on track, it’s mostly flat and peaceful, with some log crossings. Expect a shift in scenery as you enter Baker National Forest’s old-growth. Plan for a full-day outing and enjoy riverside campsites and mountain valley views.

Thunder Knob Trail (North Cascades)

Distance: 3.4 M

Elevation Gain: 675 feet

Summary : This 3.4-mile out-and-back near Marblemount, WA is a moderately challenging hike taking about 1 hour 40 minutes. It climbs gently to views over Diablo Lake and nearby peaks. Best from March to November, it's popular for hiking and winter sports. Expect little shade—bring water and sun protection. Dogs allowed on leash. Parking is across from Colonial Creek South Campground and can fill up in summer.

Cougar Divide Trail (542)

Distance: 6.2 M

Elevation Gain: 1784 feet

Summary : This 6.2-mile out-and-back near Deming, WA is a challenging hike taking about 3.5 hours. It’s a quieter alternative to nearby Skyline Divide, with scenic views of Baker, Shuksan, alpine meadows, and summer huckleberries. Best from June to October. Dogs allowed on leash. The road to the trailhead is rough, and mosquitoes can be present.

Easy Pass Trail (North Cascades)

Distance: 7 M

Elevation Gain: 2,896 feet

Summary : This 7.0-mile out-and-back near Stehekin, WA is a challenging hike taking about 5 hours. It climbs to Easy Pass with stunning mountain views. Best from June to October. Dogs are allowed up to the National Park boundary—leashes required. Camping in the park requires a wilderness permit. In winter, snow and ice may obscure the trail and require extra gear.

Ozette Triangle Trail (Olympic National Park)

Distance: 9.3 M

Elevation Gain: 557 feet

Summary :This 9.3-mile loop near Sekiu, WA in Olympic National Park is a moderately challenging and popular hike, open year-round. Dogs aren’t allowed. The route—known as the Ozette Triangle—features forest boardwalks, beach hiking, and coastal views.

Start at Lake Ozette and loop via Cape Alava or Sand Point; either direction works. Beach sections depend on tides—avoid going during tides above 5 feet or use steep rope-assisted overland routes. Boardwalks can be slippery when wet or frosty.

Lookout Mountain (North Cascades)

Distance: 8.6 M

Elevation Gain: 4,425 feet

Summary : This 8.6-mile out-and-back near Marblemount, WA is a challenging 7-hour hike, ideal for backpacking. Best from July to October, dogs are welcome off-leash in some areas. The trail is steep, with great views at the top. Bring bug repellent and trekking poles. The tower is first-come, first-served for camping, so bring a tent just in case.

Mt. Storm King (Olympic National Park)

Distance: 4.1 M

Elevation Gain: 2,106 feet

Summary : The 4.1-mile Mount Storm King Trail near Port Angeles, WA is a highly challenging hike best suited for experienced adventurers. Popular from April to October, the trail climbs steeply for the first 2 miles, with the final quarter-mile involving a rocky section with ropes for assistance. These ropes are unmaintained and should be used with caution, especially on the descent, where most injuries occur. Search and Rescue operations are common here due to hikers underestimating the trail's difficulty. Dogs are not allowed, and parking can fill quickly, so arrive early or late afternoon for easier access.

Accessible Trails

Berthusen Memorial Park Loop

Distance: 2.6 mi
Elevation Gain: 22 ft
Estimated Time: 45 min
Route Type: Loop

Summary: This 2.6-mile loop trail near Lynden, WA, is an easy route, taking about 45 minutes to complete. Popular for hiking, running, and walking, it offers a peaceful escape, with quieter times to enjoy some solitude. The trail is open year-round, but the best times to visit are from July through May. Dogs are welcome on a leash, making it a great spot for pet owners.

Equipment: The trail is suitable for most users, including those with strollers or mobility equipment.

Parking: Parking is available at the trailhead.

Surface: The trail surface is well-maintained and easy to navigate.

Grade: The trail has a gentle grade, making it accessible for most visitors.

Iron HGoat

Distance: 2.4 mi
Elevation Gain: 190 ft
Estimated Time: 52 min
Route Type: Out & Back

Summary: This 2.4-mile out-and-back trail near Skykomish, WA, is an easy route, taking about 52 minutes to complete. Popular for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking, the trail offers a gentle walk through a Pacific Northwest forest, following the historic Great Northern Railroad path. The trail leads to the Twin Tunnels, a landmark from the railroad era. Dogs are welcome on a leash, and the trail is open year-round, providing scenic beauty throughout the year.

Equipment: The trail is moderate in terms of accessibility, with some sections requiring care.

Parking: Designated parking is available near the trailhead.

Surface: The trail is primarily gravel, suitable for most users, but be mindful of uneven spots.

Grade: The trail has a generally gentle grade, but some sections may be steeper, reaching up to 8%.

Old Sauk Loop

Distance: 1.3 mi
Elevation Gain: 32 ft
Estimated Time: 24 min
Route Type: Loop

Summary: This 1.3-mile loop trail near Darrington, WA, offers an easy hike through a peaceful area south of the Sauk River. Popular for hiking and walking, it provides a quiet escape with views of the surrounding forest. The best times to visit are March through October. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.

Equipment: All-terrain tires or motorized equipment may be needed for the packed gravel or natural trail surface, especially for wheelchair or mobility aid users.

Parking: At least one designated accessible parking space is available in the lot off Mountain Loop Highway at the south end of the trail. It’s unclear if the space is van-accessible.

Surface: The trail surface consists of packed gravel or natural terrain, typically at least 4 feet wide.

Grade: The trail is mostly gentle (3% or less), with a mild incline suitable for most hikers. Benches and picnic tables are available along the route for resting.

Fire and Ice Trail

Distance: 0.6 mi

Elevation Gain: 62 ft
Estimated Time: 14 min
Route Type: Loop

Summary: This easy 0.6-mile loop trail near Maple Falls, WA takes about 14 minutes to complete. Popular for birding, hiking, and walking, it offers some quiet moments, especially during off-peak times. The trail starts and ends at the Heather Meadows Visitor Center. The southern section is gravel with a few steps, while the northern portion is paved and leads to a lookout. Dogs are allowed and may be off-leash in some areas, with the best time to visit being June through November.

Equipment: Visitors using wheelchairs, mobility aids, or strollers may need all-terrain tires or adaptive/motorized equipment, especially after 0.2 miles when going counterclockwise. Assistance may be needed in steeper or stair sections for safety.

Parking: Accessible parking spaces are available in the paved lot near the trailhead. 

Surface: The trail features paved asphalt, gravel, and natural surfaces (dirt, rocks), typically 8 feet wide.

Grade: The trail is mostly gentle (5% or less), with a steeper section around 0.5 miles when going counterclockwise. Stairs on the gravel section present a known barrier.

Shadow of the Sentinels

Distance: 0.4 M

Elevation Gain: 13 feet

Summary:
This 0.4-mile loop trail near Concrete, WA is an easy route, taking about 8 minutes to complete. Popular for walking, it's open year-round and provides a peaceful, shaded walk through old-growth forest. Interpretive signs along the way offer insights into the forest ecosystem. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash. The trail is partially paved and includes a boardwalk section. Designated a National Recreation Trail in 1980, it was improved in 1990.

Equipment
The trail is mostly gentle with a mix of boardwalk and paved sections. It is suitable for most visitors, though the boardwalk may require caution for those using wheelchairs, mobility aids, or strollers.

Parking
There are designated parking spaces at the trailhead off Baker Lake Road at the north end of the trail. However, it's unclear if accessible parking is available. No other paved lots are within a mile of the trail start.

Surface
The trail features a mix of boardwalk (with edge barriers) and paved sections, typically at least 4 feet wide.

Grade
The trail is generally flat, with a gentle grade of up to 8%.

Cordatta Park Trail

Distance: 1.2 M

Elevation Gain: 49 feet

Summary:
This 1.2-mile out-and-back trail near Bellingham, WA is an easy route, taking about 23 minutes to complete. It’s great for walking and running, with fewer crowds during off-peak times. Open year-round, the trail offers a peaceful setting. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash. The park was recently renovated, and the gravel trail runs from West Horton Road to Cordata Parkway.

Equipment
Wheelchair users, people with mobility aids, or strollers may need assistance in the steeper sections, or choose to avoid them. All-terrain tires or adaptive/motorized equipment might help on the trail’s mixed surfaces.

Parking
There are 8 designated van-accessible parking spaces with striped access aisles in the paved lot off West Horton Road, located at the south end of the trail.

Surface
The trail surface is packed gravel with some wooden bridges with railings, typically at least 6 feet wide.

Grade
The trail is mostly gentle (5% or less), except for steep sections (8-12%) at 0.2 miles and 0.6 miles uphill when going north.

Picture Lake Path

Distance: 0.4 M

Elevation Gain: 6 feet

Summary:
This 0.4-mile loop trail near Glacier, WA is an easy route, taking about 7 minutes to complete. Popular for hiking, running, and walking, it offers some solitude during quieter times of day, especially from June through November. The trail features stunning views of fall colors and a beautiful reflection of Mt. Shuksan in the lake. Dogs are welcome on leash.

Equipment
Visitors using wheelchairs, mobility aids, or strollers may need all-terrain tires or adaptive/motorized equipment due to the trail's surface and grade.

Parking
There is one designated accessible parking space in the paved lot off Mount Baker Highway, about a mile to the south of the trailhead.

Surface
The trail features a mix of boardwalk (with railings), gravel, and natural surfaces, typically at least 3 feet wide.

Grade
The trail has a gentle grade, estimated at 5% or less, making it accessible for most visitors.

Deception Pass Sand Dune Trail

Distance: 0.8 M

Elevation Gain: 22 feet

Summary:
This 0.8-mile loop trail near Oak Harbor, WA is an easy route, taking about 15 minutes to complete. Popular for walking, it’s open year-round and offers a peaceful experience during off-peak times. The paved trail is wheelchair accessible and provides scenic views of coastal dunes, which are a rare feature in the Pacific Northwest. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.

Equipment
The paved surface and mostly flat grade make this trail suitable for most wheelchairs, mobility aids, or strollers. Some minor bumps or cracks from erosion may be encountered.

Parking
There are two designated van-accessible parking spaces with striped access aisles in the paved lot off Deception Pass State Park at the north end of the trail.

Surface
The trail surface is paved asphalt, typically at least 6 feet wide, offering smooth navigation with some minor bumps or cracks from erosion.

Grade
The trail is mostly gentle, with an incline of 5% or less, making it navigable for most wheelchairs, mobility equipment, and strollers.

Whatcom Creek Loop

Distance: 4.1 M

Elevation Gain: 295 feet

Summary:
This 4.1-mile loop trail near Bellingham, WA is an easy route, taking about 1 hour and 29 minutes to complete. Popular for birding, hiking, and running, it's open year-round and offers some quiet moments during off-peak times. The gravel trail is well-maintained and runs through scenic forested areas, with great views of Whatcom Creek and waterfalls. Dogs are allowed on leash.

Equipment
Visitors using wheelchairs, mobility aids, or strollers may find the trail accessible, though some sections may be uneven and require adaptive or all-terrain equipment.

Parking
Parking is available at Whatcom Falls Park, with a paved lot near the trailhead, including designated accessible parking spaces.

Surface
The trail is mostly gravel, with some paved sections, and typically at least 4 feet wide, providing ample space for walkers and runners.

Grade
The trail has a gentle grade with an elevation gain of 295 feet, making it suitable for most users, though some sections may have slight inclines.

Railroad Trail

Distance: 3.5 M

Elevation Gain: 45 feet

Summary : This 3.5-mile point-to-point trail near Bellingham, WA is an easy route, taking about 1 hour and 10 minutes to complete. Popular for birding, hiking, and biking, it’s open year-round and offers some quiet moments during off-peak times. The gravel path is well-maintained and runs through suburban areas, with excellent signage. Dogs are allowed on leash.

Equipment
Visitors using wheelchairs, mobility aids, or strollers may need all-terrain tires or adaptive/motorized devices to navigate the trail’s surface and incline.

Parking
There are two van-accessible parking spaces with striped access aisles available in the paved lot at the southeast end of the trail, off Elective Avenue.

Surface
The trail is gravel and typically at least 6 feet wide, offering ample space for easier navigation.

Grade
The trail features a mostly gentle incline (5% or less), with some steeper areas that may require assistance or can be bypassed.

Here are some useful links that can help you plan your next trip up to the mountains or into the wilderness. Check the upcoming weather forecast, avalanche conditions or what the most recent trail report says. Know before you go!

Mountain Weather (Baker)

NOAA logo

Avalanche Conditions

NWAC logo

Trail Reports

Washington Trails Association logo