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Reporter |
Summary: This is a new trail opened in October of 2003. It is well maintained through a dense forest. The start of the trail passes a large beaver pond. Cougars have been sighted in the area so pay attention. Water crossings have new wooden bridges. The name "Nature Reserve" is well deserved. This land was donated by the Stimpson family. Trailhead: Take Lakeway Drive east from the freeway. Stay right on all the forks in the road until you see the sign for Lake Louise. Turn right on Austin Road (turns into Lk. Louise Rd.) and follow it 1.6 miles to a small signed parking area on the left. The trail is well marked. (Lat:48.73338 Lon:-122.37964) Trail Guides for Stimpson Nature Preserve: Hiking Whatcom County by Ken Wilcox (NW Wild Books) Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Ranger Contact: Whatcom County Parks (360) 733-2900 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Robbie Hochreiter, who has posted 24 other hikes on this site. To visit this reporters web site, click here. Trail Reviews Submit your own review Truly enjoyed the trail. Gorgeous. Not really a hike, more like a walk with a few inclines & yes, for everyone. Lovely place to immerse yourself in the woods, no people, no noise. What thrilled me most, better & more beautiful than I expected. Absolutely recommend. A little clarity- this is the work of Whatcom Land Trust, both the preservation and the construction of the main trail and the new trail they created last summer. The land trust has protected about 1000 acres in the Lake Whatcom watershed alone, plus what they have done elsewhere around the county (can't wait for the new park & trail out at Point Whitehorn!)There are cougars (why do you think there are so many missing cats and dogs posters in Sudden Valley:)!) and other critters so respect the fact that it is a reserve and stay on the trail- and support your local land trust! Cougars??? not even close!!! if they are there, they were either sleeping or hiding! just a nice lil' easy walk in the woods... easy definately says it. this is a good hike for families, or anyone somewhat out of shape or for the elderly. not a good workout, just a chill tramp in the woods. if i'd been jogging instead of walking, then i'd get up a sweat and a decent workout. LOVE THE STONE BENCH and all the fallen trees. BUT NO BEES... ahhhhhh! Despite the fact that I'm a spoiled by all the wonderful trails we have immediately north of the Golden Gate Bridge, I was charmed by this hike. What a lovely woods! I'm shocked that I hiked for an hour along that that serpentine trail, and that the entire park was only 350 acres. Didn't spot any bees.....or rather.....no bees spotted me. The park people have kept this trail in excellent condition. Great hike, but what's up with the bees? Got swarmed a little ways in, so bee careful! Just another walk in the woods. Bees were bad. Got stung twice. No big deal. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Washington Hiking, Washington Trails, Washington Hikes, Whatcom County Hiking, Whatcom County Trails, Whatcom County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||