Lizard & Lily Lakes Loop with North Butte View

Sunday's forecast is calling for partly cloudy and improving weather. Might as well take advantage of that & stomp around in the woods at Lizard Lake, North Butte, and Lily Lake. This will be a scenic loop hike totaling about 7.5 miles and 1,350' of elevation gain. North Butte has a spectacular view without the crowds of Oyster Dome.

Overall, it's a moderate hike, with only one section of about a mile of sustained, uphill hiking plus a few shorter uphill sections. There's also an optional short, rocky climb to the view at North Butte. We'll eat lunch at the bench area that is easier to access. Even on a weekend, there's not much traffic on this loop, other than at the lakes.

**SPECIAL TRAFFIC NOTE**
I-5 is reduced to one lane in each direction around the Alger exit, and backups are occurring. Please allow some extra time or plan an alternate route on your way to the trailhead. An alternate possibility is to get off at the Bow Hill Road exit, then Hobson, Colony, Wood, and Barrel Springs roads to the Blanchard road to the trailhead.

Pace will be moderate to medium, not fast, and the group needs to stay together. Please be capable of hiking at about 1.5-2 MPH over this distance. We will be hanging out at the lakes and the viewpoint to enjoy the views, so the end time is an estimate. Event is cross posted with the Skagit Adventure Group & Bellingham Trails & Adventure Group, so initial number of spaces may seem low. I will adjust based on interest level, so don't hesitate to sign up on the waitlist if it fills up.

Note that we are not guides or medical professionals. You are responsible for yourself and any guests you bring. Please carry the ten essentials: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ten_Essentials

Distance: Approximately 7-1/2 miles
Elevation Gain: Approximately 1,350' (cumulative)
Map: Chuckanut Recreation Area by Square One
Parking Pass: Discover Pass Required. Note that there are no provisions to buy one at the trail head!
Please don't park in the area at the north end of the parking lot where it is signed for horse trailer parking only.
Dogs: This is a dog-friendly event for friendly dogs!

Housekeeping:

• We will cancel for high winds or heavy monsoon rains, but we will hike otherwise.
• You must sign-up and be on the “Going” list to participate.
• If you sign-up for this event, out of respect for the group and those on the wait list, please make every effort to attend.
• Please practice LNT (Leave-No-Trace.)

Directions from I-5 Exit #240: Head West about 1/2 mile on Lake Samish Road. Turn Left (sharp) on Barrell Springs Road and follow 7/10 mile.
Turn Right on 5-mile Blanchard Hill Trail/Lily Lake Road (dirt road w/stop sign and a brown with white lettering sign "Blanchard Forest Block".)
Follow past a lower trailhead with parking area and restrooms. Continue STRAIGHT (passing the turnoff on the left for Samish Overlook) to a large parking area at the end of the road. I emphasize: Do NOT turn left, and do NOT go to Samish Overlook. Total mileage on the dirt road is about 1.8 miles. Please open map link for a visual. On Google Maps, it's titled as the Upper Blanchard Mountain Trailhead, or Blanchard Mountain Trail Upper Parking Lot. Some guides may call it the Upper Lizard/Lily Lakes Trailhead.
MAP LINK:
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Blanchard+mountain+Trail+Upper+Parking+lot/@48.6161323,-122.3869369,15.5z/data=!4m8!1m2!2m1!1sblanchard+mounain+trail+upper+parking!3m4!1s0x0:0xd8a9d28670529ba3!8m2!3d48.6169879!4d-122.3857749
If inputting info. into Google Maps yourself, type in, "Blanchard Mountain Trail Upper Parking Lot." Allow yourself at least 10 minutes from exit #240 (more if from exit #236) at I-5 to get to the trailhead.