Everyone knows that the Pacific Northwest is a paradise for the outdoor enthusiast. It is also home to some outstanding walking, hiking and biking trails.

Located in the beautiful city of Bellingham, Washington, Galbraith Mountain is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, particularly mountain bikers. With over 40 miles of trails, Galbraith Mountain offers a diverse range of terrain for riders of all skill levels, from easy, rolling singletrack to challenging downhill runs.

The mountain is named after John Kenneth Galbraith, a Canadian economist and author, and is located on the outskirts of Bellingham. The trails are maintained by a dedicated group of volunteers, the Whatcom Mountain Bike Coalition, who have worked hard to create a sustainable trail network that offers a unique and thrilling experience for riders.

One of the highlights of Galbraith Mountain is the variety of trails available, ranging from gentle and flowy to steep and technical. For those new to mountain biking, the Galbraith Loop is a great starting point, a gentle and rolling trail that circles the mountain and provides stunning views of the surrounding countryside. For more experienced riders, the trails like Schley Bluffs and The Stinger provide a challenging and adrenaline-fueled experience, with steep drops and technical sections to navigate.

Another great feature of Galbraith Mountain is the scenery, which is simply stunning. The trails wind through dense forests of Douglas fir and Western red cedar, providing a peaceful and serene escape from the city. The mountain also boasts stunning views of Bellingham Bay and the surrounding mountains, making it the perfect destination for a day of outdoor adventure.

While mountain biking is the main attraction at Galbraith Mountain, there are also plenty of other activities to enjoy, including hiking, bird-watching, and picnicking. With plenty of picnic tables and open spaces, the mountain is the perfect place to relax and soak up the beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

In conclusion, Galbraith Mountain is a must-visit destination for mountain bikers and outdoor enthusiasts in Bellingham. With a diverse range of trails and breathtaking scenery, it offers an experience unlike any other. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner just starting out, Galbraith Mountain has something for everyone. So what are you waiting for? Grab your bike and hit the trails!

DIRECTIONS TO GALBRAITH:

There are two main access points to Galbraith Mountain. The Northside:  Access Galbraith from the northside at Birch St. in Bellingham. Birch is  off of Lakeway Dr. and provides a parking lot and on-street parking for those wishing to visit Galbraith from the Miranda Trail. The Miranda trail connects Birch Street Trailhead with the base of the Ridge Trail and is a great access point for many popular trails. If no parking is available on Birch, consider parking your vehicle at Whatcom Falls Park and riding the short distance to the northside entrance.

The Southside:  The southside of Galbraith can be accessed via Samish Way. There is a brand new parking lot directly across the street from Galbraith Lane road that features almost 200 parking stalls. This lot also features horse trailer parking and bathrooms.

Another access point to the mountain is from Lake Padden off Route 99 (known by locals as Samish). Park near the dog park and travel up Galbraith Lane. From there, travel up the Galbraith Lane Rd for about a 1/2 mile. Go straight toward pipeline road and enter through the yellow gate.  From here you will be able to access trails such as Last Call, New Issues, and Lost Giants.

For more information on Bellingham, check out our Local Guide, and be sure to enjoy your day before you head back to your cozy getaway at the Oostema Farmstead.  We will keep the lights on for you.