Two Dollar Trail
Puget Sound and IslandsBest Year-round
The shortest route to Fragrance Lake, with Salish Sea views through the cedars on the way up.
About This Trail
Two Dollar Trail is the most direct path to Fragrance Lake in the Chuckanut Mountains south of Bellingham. The trail climbs steadily through a west-facing forest of cedar, Douglas fir, and hemlock, with glimpses of the Salish Sea, Lummi Island, and Chuckanut Bay filtering through the canopy. The surface is well-maintained and wide, popular with runners and mountain bikers as well as hikers.
The lake itself sits in a forested bowl at about 1,100 feet. A small waterfall at the outlet changes shape with the seasons, and rock cliffs line the northwest shore. You can loop around the lake for an extra 0.7 miles or arrange a car shuttle back to one of the Chuckanut Drive trailheads for a longer point-to-point. The fall color from bigleaf maples along the lower trail is some of the best in the Bellingham area.
Requires a Discover Pass. The trailhead is off Cleator Road, reached from Chuckanut Drive (Highway 11). Parking is along the road shoulder near the trailhead gate. On nice weekends, a dozen cars is typical by late morning, but roadside space usually remains.
Astronomy
Trail Conditions
Scorecard
Safety & Considerations
Today's Hazard
- Strong sun — sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses recommended
Getting There
Roadside parking near the trailhead gate on Cleator Road. No formal lot. Arrives via Chuckanut Drive (Highway 11). Discover Pass required.
From I-5 Exit 231, take Highway 11 west for about 16 miles, then turn right on Highline Road (becomes Cleator Road after crossing the Interurban Trail). Trailhead is 0.76 miles ahead on the right before the road gate. At Fragrance Lake, you can loop the lake or continue to other Chuckanut trailheads.
No timing constraints. The climb warms you up fast, so this works well on cool mornings. Weekday mornings are quieter.
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