Best of Bellingham

Bellingham Bay 

Separating Bellingham from the San Juan Islands is Bellingham Bay. The waters that make up Bellingham Bay come from the Nooksack River and Whatcom Creek. Much of Bellingham is situated around  this bay, with views from downtown Bellingham, Fairhaven, South Hill, and as far away as Barkley Village.  If you are looking for view property, there are a number of Condos and Residences to choose from that will provide unbelievable views.

Boulevard Park

Running along State St. and Bellingham Bay, Boulevard Park is one of Bellingham’s Best Parks with Summer Concerts, Paths for running/walking/biking, Picnic Tables and BBQ’s, Beach, a Fishing Dock, Taylor Dock ( an overwater dock), coffee house ( Woods), playground, just a great spot to sit and enjoy the bay views and mingle.

Lake Whatcom

From the Lummi Tribe translated as ” Loud Water”, Lake Whatcom is one of Bellingham’s Best Sites to see.  It is 10 miles long and apprx. 1 mile wide and at its deepest, 328 ft. deep on the southern edge.  It provides Bellingham with its’ drinking water as well as recreation.  Many of the lakefront residents have their own beach access and docks, but there is a public park and boat launch at Bloedel Donovan Park on the NW side of the lake.   Power boats are allowed in the lake so in the summer months you will see water skiing activity as well as kayaking, swimming and other water sports.

Whale Watching/San Juan Islands Tour

Mt. Baker

Did you know Mt. Baker is actually a volcano?  Yes, a glaciated volcano.  Known by the locals and the Lummi as “Kulshan”.  But really, better known for great skiing, snowboarding and beautiful scenery year round.  Apprx. an hours drive east of Bellingham.  Its peak is usually visible throughout Whatcom County.

Downtown Bellingham

Lots of energy, great for mingling, shopping, great eats, art walks, coffee houses, and residing.

Bellingham Farmer’s Market

From April 1 – Dec., every Saturday from 10-3, the place to be is on Railroad Ave. at the Bellingham Farmer’s Market.  Not just locally grown produce, but local artists selling their wares from crafts, jewelry to music and buskers (street performers from singing to acting to miming and more).                     Click here for a list of the local farmers.

Bellingham’s Trail System

Bellingham is known for its outdoor activities and one of the favorite activities is hiking.  Here are a few of the favorite trail systems.  I’ve attached trail maps to each heading.

-Interurban – This is one of my favorites because it is easily accessed right in Fairhaven and will take you down to Larrabee State Park.  It is level and meanders through out Fairhaven, taking you to Fairhaven Park and running along Padden Creek.

-Chuckanut Trails – One of the most challenging trails, Oyster Dome, is located on Chuckanut Mtn..  But the view at the top is your reward with views of the San Juan Islands.  Fragrance Lake is also in the Chuckanut Trail System, relatively easy and once you arrive, you can swim the lake.  Sit back and enjoy the scenery.

-Lake Whatcom Trail – There is a saying ”  With every ending comes a new beginning”,  This trail begins at the end of Northshore.  Level, easily accessible and running along the shoreline of Lake Whatcom. If you drive out to this one, it is well worth the drive.  What a lovely walk!

-Galbraith Mtn. – Well known among the local biking communty for its rough terrain, a great hike and well worth the trip up with the 360 degree views of Bellingham Bay to the Canadian Rockies to Mt. Baker.  It’s no wonder they call this Lookout Mtn.

Whatcom Falls

Centrally located in Bellingham,WA, this 241 acre park has several trails, lush foliage, tennis courts, fish hatchery, covered picnic area and in Autumn vibrant foliage.  The falls water comes from Lake Whatcom and travels SW via Whatcom Creek and depositing into Bellingham Bay.    Whatcom Falls Park is situated between the Silver Beach community of Lake Whatcom and just north of Lake Padden, another large park with trails, golf, canoeing, tennis, swimming, dog park and so much more.    Come and enjoy the power of nature.

Fairhaven

One of Bellingham’s most sought after communities to live in, Fairhaven is really South Bellingham.  Founded in the late 1880′s, it has that historic charm about it and is loved for its village feel, small boutiques and good eateries.  Very high walkability score, close to WWU, the train station and ferries.  Fairhaven has its own farmers market on Wednesday’s in the afternoon that goes until evening.