Discover Bellingham · Outdoor Living
Discover Bellingham: Explore the Trails That Connect Our City
One of the things that makes Bellingham such a special place to live is how easy it is to get outside. From waterfront paths and neighborhood trails to forested mountain routes, Bellingham has an extensive network of trails that connects many parts of the city—and gives walkers, runners and cyclists countless ways to explore.
In fact, with a little planning, you can travel between many of Bellingham's neighborhoods while spending surprisingly little time on the road.
Trails That Connect the City
Whether you're looking for a quick neighborhood walk or a longer adventure, Bellingham's trail system offers something for nearly every experience level.
On the south side of town, the Chuckanut area offers some of the region's most scenic hiking. Trails around Fragrance Lake provide a classic Pacific Northwest experience, while the Interurban Trail offers a relatively accessible route connecting the Chuckanut area with Fairhaven.
From Fairhaven, the trail network continues north toward the waterfront. The trails around Boulevard Park provide spectacular views across Bellingham Bay and connect with paths leading toward downtown. It's hard to beat a walk or bike ride along the water, especially on a clear day.
Eastern Bellingham: A Trail Network in Your Backyard
Some of the most accessible connections can be found in Bellingham's eastern neighborhoods, including Barkley, Roosevelt and Alabama Hill.
These areas offer an impressive collection of trails and greenways that make it possible to get outside without having to drive to a trailhead. For residents who enjoy walking, running or biking as part of their daily routine, having these connections close to home can be a major benefit.
And because many of these trails wind through mature forests, you'll often find plenty of shade and tree canopy—even during warmer summer months.
Family Fun at Whatcom Falls Park
For families, Whatcom Falls Park is one of Bellingham's best-known outdoor destinations.
The park combines accessible trails with some of the area's most recognizable natural features, including waterfalls and swimming holes. Playgrounds and other recreational opportunities make it a popular destination for families looking to spend a few hours outdoors.
It's also a great example of what makes Bellingham's trail system unique: you don't necessarily have to choose between a hike and other recreational activities. Many local parks offer opportunities to combine walking with swimming, picnicking, biking or simply enjoying the scenery.
Galbraith Mountain: A Mountain Biker's Paradise
For mountain bikers, Galbraith Mountain is in a category of its own.
With more than 20 miles of trails, Galbraith offers routes for riders ranging from beginners to experienced mountain bikers. The variety of terrain and extensive trail network means you can return again and again and still find new routes to explore.
It's also another example of how Bellingham's outdoor recreation extends well beyond traditional hiking trails. The region has developed into a destination for cyclists from throughout the Pacific Northwest.
Lake Padden and Beyond
On the south side of Bellingham, Lake Padden offers another popular destination for walkers, runners and families. The loop around the lake is an easy way to get outside, while surrounding trails provide opportunities to explore farther into the woods.
The connections around Lake Padden also help tie the southern part of Bellingham into the larger network of trails throughout the community.
Trails for Every Kind of Explorer
One of the best things about Bellingham's trail system is its variety.
You'll find paved and gravel paths, wooded trails, waterfront routes, mountain biking terrain and relatively easy family-friendly walks. Many of the gravel trails are well maintained and shaded by trees, making them useful throughout much of the year.
And you don't have to be an experienced hiker to enjoy them. A short neighborhood walk can be just as rewarding as a multi-mile mountain adventure.
For newcomers, apps such as AllTrails and Trailforks can be particularly helpful for discovering new routes, understanding distances and navigating the extensive network.
Discover Bellingham on Foot—or Two Wheels
Bellingham's trail system is more than a collection of individual paths. Together, these trails create a network that connects neighborhoods, parks, the waterfront and some of the region's most beautiful natural areas.
Whether you're commuting by bike, taking the dog for a walk, getting a run in before work, exploring with the family or looking for your next mountain biking adventure, there's a good chance a trail isn't far away.
That's one of the things that makes Bellingham such a great place to live: adventure isn't just somewhere you drive to. In many parts of the city, it's right outside your door.