British Army Trail

Dogs Leashed

E-Bikes Allowed

Features Downhill · Technical

Enjoy this fast, rough, and rocky hiking trail descent that feels quite unique and different compared to many of the other machine-built mountain bike trails in the Bellingham area.

Access to this trail is from the Blanchard parking lot which requires a Discover Pass. The parking lot can fill up rather quickly on weekends and there are often lots of horse/equestrian users because Blanchard is one of the few places that allows horses on the trails. Make sure to be on the lookout for other trail users, technically this is a downhill only bike trail but, it is multi-directional for horses and hikers.

As you work your way through the Land of the Lost you'll find yourself swathed in old growth forest, vibrant moss, and lots of fertile ferns. Work your way up Lily Lizard Connector then when you hit the 3-way split for Alternate Incline and Rough Trail you'll see the British Army trail sign.

Follow that around the edge of the lake and traverse your way to the top of the trail. There will be one final uphill punch and a small stream crossing at the top. After you've crossed the stream, which may be dry in the summer, British Army downhill begins.

When you finish British Army you'll be on the other side of the hill, so you'll need to climb up the gravel road back to the top. Go down either the way you came up, or down Alternate Incline, or down the gravel road to get back to the parking lot. There is technically no access to the Blanchard trails from the Lake Samish park-and-ride.