Where to Beat the HEAT

See this...
www.bellingham-subdued-excitement.com/fragrance-lake.html
It's about a 2 mile hike in from Chuckanut Drive (TH is across from Larabee state park entrance), so that keeps the crowds down.

Good water for swimming (no itch afterwards); but nothing much that qualifies as a beach. You can walk out on logs to get in.

Recommended!

Thanks!

The north shore of lake whatcome, google map Bellingham WA North Shore Rd. you take that road all the way to the end, you park at the parking area out there, which is like whatcom lake park. Then you take this trail that goes along the lake. go down it for about a mile, or until you come to a small bridge. There are two good rope swings on the shore, if its your first time out there, just look around and you will find them. and then a trail that goes away from the lake and to a water fall that you can climb up and also has basically a natural water slide. its awesome up there, usually not too many people out there.

That sounds way better.  Fragrance lake wasn't that great.

Try lost lakes in the Chuckanuts.  The water's warm, it's usually deserted, and it's surrounded by hills and trees for shade.  Mosquito free, too, though the hike is about 9 miles (round trip) from the trailhead.

Cheers