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There are two trailheads that offer distinctive types of trails to reach Fragrance Lake. Hiking from the parking lot for Clayton Beach, the trek is on an abandoned road until the lake is reached. The climb is steadily upward and strenuous. Clouds of black gnats this time of year also make the going interesting. Hiking from the trailhead at Larrabee State Park, the name of the game is switchbacks and there are plenty of them. The trek is an honest to goodness trail, not an old road. Both treks have their positives and negatives. If a decision can't be made, take them both, one up and one down for a massive loop. What isn't negotiable is the $5 fee associated with parking.

The Trek: For the purposes of this writing, the large loop was made starting from the Clayton Beach parking lot and finishing at Larrabee.

March out of the lot, past the gate and start to climb. The pitch is relatively easy at first, but increases as the trek continues.

As mentioned, this portion of the hike is made upon an old, gravel roadbed. It wasn't long before swarms of black gnats decided to join in the journey. Buzzing around ears, eyes, nose and mouth, the critters were thick. So thick that stopping was not an option.

If you pass the trailhead for Lost Lake, a 25-mile endeavor, you are on the right track for Fragrance Lake. It's a short distance before the trailhead for Fragrance Lake itself is reached. Warning signs read that Neurotoxic Blue-Green Algae has invaded the lake's waters. Needless to say, don't drink from the lake, or let your dog do it.

Walk down into the forested valley, and at a fork venture left across a wooden bridge. This trail loops around the lake.
Taking this route leads directly below one cliff's face after another. Hidden by the trees, these massive stone walls tower high above the water.
Numerous trails lead to the shoreline. Several have benches on which to relax and watch the forest's reflection shimmer on the water.
After completing the loop around the lake, return to the trailhead and proceed straight, following the sign to Chuckanut Drive. The trail marches steadily downward among towering cedar and hemlock trees along with lush ground cover.
Traveling onward, come upon a sign informing hikers of a .2 of a mile detour to a scenic overlook. It's worth the little extra effort. Hikers are rewarded with an unobstructed view from Chuckanut Mountain across Samish Bay to the San Juan Islands.

Back on the main trail, continue a seemingly endless descent before connecting with the Interurban Trail. If you started at the Clayton Beach lot, go left and the parking lot is a short distance away.

Distance: 6.2 miles

Destination: Lake and back

Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation gain: 1,050 feet

Getting there: Take exit 231 (Chuckanut Drive) west off I-5. At milepost 14.7, there's an entrance to a parking lot. Park in the lot and the trailhead is up the road. Or park at the Larrabee State Park lot, walk across Chuckanut Drive, up a hill, and cross the Interurban Trail to the trailhead.