Lost Lake

Conquering the Clayton Beach Trail: A Cyclist's Guide to the Uphills and Downhills

Overview

Riding through beautiful old forests and rocky canyons, the Clayton Beach Trail is not just another bike path—it's a rite of passage for every serious mountain biker. Nestled in Bellingham, Washington, this very difficult point-to-point trail is a scenic rollercoaster that will both challenge and reward you.

• Distance: 9 miles
• Level: Very Difficult
• Route Type: Point to point
• Location: Bellingham, Washington

The Ascent: The 3-Mile Grind

Starting across the highway from the North Chuckanut Mtn Trailhead parking area, be prepared for a strenuous start. A Forest Service road, clearly signed, takes you uphill. Grab a higher gear and settle in for a slow 3-mile climb through enchanting old forests. Milestones to look out for:

• Mile 1: A gate and a branching path to S Summit trail and DNR area.
• Mile 2: A right turn around a gate onto Lost Lake Trail, which is so overgrown it feels like a singletrack.
• Mile 3: The trail crests the ridge, and it's all downhill from here.

Riding the Ridge: Overgrown and Overlooked

Upon cresting the ridge, you'll find a singletrack diverging south—known as Lost Lizard Trail. The path is significantly overgrown, hovering high above the lake. Rainy weather can make this stretch slick and challenging, so exercise caution.

Descending Glory: Rock Walls and Intersections

After about 5.5 miles, you begin a descent on a decent singletrack through a slight canyon, complete with fascinating rock walls. At 6.5 miles, the trail broadens into a doubletrack and passes several well-signed intersections. Stick to the main trail for the simplest route, though explorers may venture onto branching paths by consulting trailhead (TH) maps.

The Final Stretch: Switchbacks and Speed

When the trail comes to a T at about 8 miles, take a left onto Hemlock Trail. After a Y-junction near a house, steer right and brace for a thrilling half-mile full of steep drops, switchbacks, and small leaps. This will ultimately lead you to Interurban Trail. Take a left here, and a final switchback to the right will guide you back to the parking area. For those craving more, continuing on the Interurban Trail adds another 4 miles back to the Clayton Beach Trailhead, making it a 13-mile loop.

Getting There

To reach the trailhead, take I-5 exit #250 west on Fairhaven Dr, also known as State Highway 11, and follow the signs to Larrabee State Park. The North Chuckanut Mtn Trailhead parking area is 1.5 miles along, situated between Old Samish Rd & California Dr. Another option is to continue 4 miles into Larrabee State Park; the Clayton Beach trailhead is about a mile past the campground on the left.

Final Thoughts

The Clayton Beach Trail is an adrenaline-packed course through some of Washington's most mesmerizing landscapes. It's tough, but for those who conquer it, the experience is nothing short of exhilarating.