#10 Boulevard Park
Boulevard park is probably the most common outdoor hangout in bellingham. You will find students littering the lawn of the park, doing everything from studying, to playing guitar and frisbee. If you get hungry you can walk along the path to the park side/ water side coffee shop Woods, and grab a pastry, coffee or smoothie. A great escape from the hectic campus environment.
Difficulty: 1/10
Boulevard Park can be accessed by the lower parking lot, right where South State turns into 11th St. The park entrance is easy to miss so look carefully. You can also park up above closer to Bellingham along South State St.
Difficulty: 1/10
Boulevard Park can be accessed by the lower parking lot, right where South State turns into 11th St. The park entrance is easy to miss so look carefully. You can also park up above closer to Bellingham along South State St.
#9 Arboritum
Beautiful Sehome arboritum is located just behind the Western Washington University Campus. A favorite spot for runners, this lush green forest is full of trails and hidden adventures. Many people follow one of the trails, via bike, horse, or foot, to capture the spectacular view from the tower at the top.
Difficulty: 2/10
Difficulty: 2/10
#8 Teddybear Cove
A hidden beach located just off the Chuckanut drive, Teddybear Cove is a favorite summer location for students and hikers. Heavily littered with beach glass, not ideal for swimming or running around; however the aesthetic value is worth it in and of itself.
Difficulty 2/10
BE WARNED: Many people skinnydip at this location.
Difficulty 2/10
BE WARNED: Many people skinnydip at this location.
#7 Raptor Ridge
A short hike just off chuckanut drive that is difficult to find, but worth the hunt. The view from the top is amazing!
Difficulty: 4/10
To get to Raptor Ridge Trail, take I-5 exit and head west following Old Fairhaven Parkway/SR 11 for 1.3 miles to 12th Street. Turn left and follow Chuckanut Drive SR 11 south for 1.5 miles to the trailhead. The parking area will be on the left hand side.
Difficulty: 4/10
To get to Raptor Ridge Trail, take I-5 exit and head west following Old Fairhaven Parkway/SR 11 for 1.3 miles to 12th Street. Turn left and follow Chuckanut Drive SR 11 south for 1.5 miles to the trailhead. The parking area will be on the left hand side.
#6 Kayaking
Bellingham bay is the perfect place for kayakers. Water is rarely choppy or hard to maneuver. Be sure to wear a wetsuit though, the water is extremely cold year round.
Difficulty: 4/10
Difficulty: 4/10
#5 San Juans
The San Juans are a staple of washington state. There is always something to do - from farmers markets and fine arts museums to festivals and whale watching. The San Juans offers the perfect day-long summer getaway.
Difficulty: 2/10
Difficulty: 2/10
#4 Mt. Baker
Into winter sports? Mt. Baker is a favorite of skiers and boarders around the country. Fresh powder is a regular occurrence, and with over 200 trails to ride, you can get lost up there for an entire winter. Summer months are equally stunning - offering countless hiking trails and camp spots. Be warned, Baker is contagious. You go once and soon you will find yourself there regularly.
Difficulty: */10
Difficulty: */10
#3 Whatcom Falls
A popular bellingham hangout - whatcom falls is more than a park. It has a number of walking trails that present people with an easy, relaxing walk through the canopy of trees. Just across the bridge is where the magic is. About 1/8th mile in is a small pool, surrounded by cliffs. The pool is fed by glacial water, so it is extremely cold - but if you can brave the arctic waters the cliffs are a blast (and the perfect escape from the summer heat)!
Difficulty: 1/10
Whatcom Falls Park is located at 1401 Electric Avenue in the Whatcom Falls Neighborhood. There are two entrances to Whatcom Falls Park. To access the sports field and upper playground, use the entrance at 1401 Electric Ave. To access the picnic shelters, fish hatchery, lower playground, creek bridge and derby pond, use the entrance on Silver Beach Road off Lakeway Drive.
Difficulty: 1/10
Whatcom Falls Park is located at 1401 Electric Avenue in the Whatcom Falls Neighborhood. There are two entrances to Whatcom Falls Park. To access the sports field and upper playground, use the entrance at 1401 Electric Ave. To access the picnic shelters, fish hatchery, lower playground, creek bridge and derby pond, use the entrance on Silver Beach Road off Lakeway Drive.
#2 Fairhaven
Established in 1883 Fairhaven is a beautiful old railroad town. Full of unique shops and colorful people fairhaven is a great place to have a leasurly walk with a loved one - grab a nice dinner and stop over at Pop's candy shop for an after-dinner treat. It is easy to waste the day in this little town.
Difficulty: 1/10
Difficulty: 1/10
#1 Oyster Dome
Finally! Your number one outdoor location. Oyster dome is a trail located off chuckanut drive - and a hikers favorite. Boasting a spectacular view of the bay and San Juans. Oyster Dome is 'the' hike for locals - you wont find a better view. Be sure to pack a couple of beers and lunch - you'll want to kick it and relax at the top for a while.
EXTRA: At the feet of the main cliff you will find the infamous 'bat caves'. Though it is posted as a restricted area - if you want to brave the dangers you can actually explore them. Just wear something warm - it gets cold!
Difficulty: 6/10
Driving Directions: From Mount Vernon head north on I-5 to exit 231. Follow State Route 11 (Chuckanut Drive) north for 10.2 miles. The trailhead is on the right side of the road just after passing milepost 10. There is parking on the left (west) shoulder of the highway. If you're coming from Bellingham follow SR 11 south for 11.5 miles to the trailhead (elev. 100 ft). The trailhead is about 300ft south of Oyster bar.
EXTRA: At the feet of the main cliff you will find the infamous 'bat caves'. Though it is posted as a restricted area - if you want to brave the dangers you can actually explore them. Just wear something warm - it gets cold!
Difficulty: 6/10
Driving Directions: From Mount Vernon head north on I-5 to exit 231. Follow State Route 11 (Chuckanut Drive) north for 10.2 miles. The trailhead is on the right side of the road just after passing milepost 10. There is parking on the left (west) shoulder of the highway. If you're coming from Bellingham follow SR 11 south for 11.5 miles to the trailhead (elev. 100 ft). The trailhead is about 300ft south of Oyster bar.