Whatcom County is a hidden gem for outdoor adventure in Northwest Washington. From the sea to the mountains and everything in between, there are plenty of trails to explore on foot, bike, or even skis (but we’ll get to that later)!
On a day away from the Farmstead, check out these trails to enjoy the great outdoors and get some fresh air.
Top Trails Near Bellingham
Head west toward the water to find Semiahmoo Park, one of the best areas for a beach walk near the Farmstead. Walk the paved public path along the water, follow boardwalks to beach overlooks, head out to the tide pools, and explore the waters. The park also offers the Semiahmoo Spit Trail, a segment of the Coast Millennium Trail, a paved-walkway with spectacular views across Drayton Harbor of Mount Baker.
The Whatcom Creek Trail is a 4-mile loop smack dab in the middle of Bellingham! There are rolling, gravel trails that are good for hiking, walking, and trail running. There are some steep grades and stairs. The trails are located in Whatcom Falls Park, so you’ll likely run into the beautiful falls.
Established in 1972, Lake Padden Park is a popular spot in South Bellingham. The park itself has several amenities, including picnic shelters, playgrounds, sports fields and an off-leash dog park. Some great trails start at the park!
The main trail that loops the lake is 2.6 miles long and of moderate grade. Walk off the beaten path and add 0.8 miles to your trip to rise above the south side of the lake. There are also 5.1 miles of multipurpose trails south and east of the lake!
Arroyo Park is located on Chuckanut Drive and is the starting point for various trail systems in the Chuckanut Mountains, including the Interurban Trail.
The 5.9-mile Interurban Trail connects the Fairhaven Historic District with Larrabee State Park. The easy trail follows a former electric line and offers Bellingham Bay, Chuckanut Bay and the San Juan Islands. The trail is good for walkers, runners, bicyclists and even equestrians!
If you want to take out the bikes, Galbraith Mountain is the place to go – Trailforks calls it a world-class mountain destination. The mountain offers over 50 miles of singletrack and 224 trails, winding through more than 3,000 acres overlooking Bellingham and Bellingham Bay. No matter what skill level you are, Galbraith has a trail that you’ll absolutely love. These trails can also be used for hiking, walking, or trail running.
Finally, there are several parks with trails along the waterfront in Bellingham. These are two of our favorites!
The Squalicum Harbor Trail is a paved trail that loops around the harbor. It offers beautiful views of Bellingham Bay and Lummi Island. There are several places to make a pit stop along the trail, including restaurants like Kuru Kuru Sushi or Anthony’s, sporting goods store Kite Paddle Surf, and the Marine Life Center.
Check out the South Bay Trail and visit Boulevard Park, located on Bellingham Bay. You can grab a coffee, tea, or snack from Woods Coffee and stroll along Taylor Dock, a boardwalk once used for the waterfront industry reopened in 2004 for public use. There are scenic views of Bellingham Bay, the San Juan Islands and, if you’re there on a clear day, you can even see Mount Baker! This system is easy with a few gentle grades, mostly gravel, and dogs must be leashed.
For more information on Lynden, 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.
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