Reconnect Earth is once again leading day hikes–geared especially for college students or folks of college age–to natural areas in and around Bellingham in Fall 2021. Learn more and sign up to join a trip below!

Fall Hike to Lost Lake

Experience autumn and the changing of the seasons on a hike to Lost Lake on Chuckanut Mountain. A secluded body of water surrounded by dense forest, Lost Lake is only several miles from central Bellingham but feels like it could be in a remote wild area. After meeting at North Chuckanut Trailhead, we’ll follow the Hemlock and Lost Lake trails to the lake itself, pausing to enjoy the colorful leaves, fall mushrooms, and whatever other plants and animals we find along the way. We’ll also stop for a discussion or two about the landscape through which we’re traveling and our role as humans in the ecosystem.

When: Sunday, October 10, 11:00am – 5:00pm*

Location: Meet at the North Chuckanut Mountain Trailhead (a 10 minute drive or 15 minute bike ride from WWU).

What to bring: A full water bottle, lunch, sturdy shoes, and a rain jacket in case of wet weather.

Difficulty level: Moderately challenging (includes a long, gradual climb uphill on the hike in to the lake).

Suggested donation: $10. Register

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Search for Migrating Salmon

Witness one of the most iconic wildlife spectacles in our region: the return of migrating salmon to their ancestral spawning grounds. We’ll follow Chuckanut Creek through Arroyo Park–and if we’re lucky, we’ll get to see these big, powerful fish up close. We will also take a break for a conversation about the Indigenous history of what is now Northwest Washington, and Indigenous uses of the salmon that have provided food for people since time immemorial.

When: Saturday, November 13th, 1:00pm – 4:00pm*

Location: Meet at the Arroyo Park parking area off Old Samish Road (a 10 minute drive or 15 minute bike ride from WWU).

What to bring: A full water bottle and clothing that will keep you warm and dry. Sturdy shoes recommended.

Difficulty level: Easy (slight uphills and downhills; potentially wheelchair accessible, though not ADA-approved).

Suggested donation: $10. Register

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Hike Around Lake Padden

The forest and lake edges of Bellingham’s Lake Padden are home to giant trees, scenic views, and some of the best bird watching sites in the area. We will follow the trail that circles the lake, taking time to admire mushrooms growing on fallen logs, ducks and other water birds foraging in the shallows, and perhaps a salamander or two on the trail. We’ll also have time to pause and discuss how our interactions with nature shape our day-to-day lives and the ways in which we experience the world around us.

When: Saturday, December 4th, 11:00am – 3:00pm*

Location: Meet at the Lake Padden Park East Entrance off of Samish Way (a 10 minute drive or 25 minute bike ride from WWU; also accessible via the 533 bus).

What to bring: A full water bottle, lunch, sturdy shoes, and clothing that will keep you warm and dry.

Difficulty level: Moderate (trail is relatively level with some short uphill stretches).

Suggested donation: $10. Register

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COVID note: Reconnect Earth strives to follow health authority recommendations for preventing the spread of COVID-19. To help keep all participants on our trips safe, please keep in mind the following:

-By choosing to come on the trip you are attesting that you have not recently experienced signs or symptoms of COVID-19 not attributable to other causes. Signs and symptoms include dry cough, chills, congestion/runny nose, unusual fatigue, sore throat, muscle/body aches, nausea/vomiting, shortness of breath not caused by exercise, persistent new diarrhea, and new loss of taste or smell. Please stay home if you’ve had any of these in the last 48 hours.

-We’ll be working to follow the latest recommendations and mandates around social distancing and mask wearing outside. Please bring a face mask in case it is necessary to use one.