More than 100 miles of coastline along the Salish Sea define Whatcom County. These include Chuckanut Bay, Bellingham Bay, Lummi Island, Lummi Bay, Cherry Point, Birch Bay, Drayton Harbor and Point Roberts. Water here is more than just a feature of the landscape: activities along the shore and on the water take center stage in various locations.
Coast, Water and Trails
The water at Birch Bay State Park is considered comparatively warm. Activities listed there include crabbing, windsurfing, swimming, sailing and paddling. Larrabee State Park offers a different range of options: boating, shellfish gathering, crabbing, diving and fishing are possible there in both fresh and salt water. Conditions and seasonal operations may vary, so check current conditions for water activities before making plans.
On land, too, the trails offer different types of use. Larrabee State Park has 18 miles of trails in total: 1.5 miles are designated exclusively for bicycles, 2.7 miles exclusively for hiking, and 13.8 miles are multi-use trails for biking, hiking and horseback riding. This breakdown is a useful guide if you want to consider not only the total length but also the intended use.
At the Sehome Hill Arboretum, trails wind through a stand of mature native trees. The arboretum covers 175.5 acres and has six miles of trails. Public recreational use of up to 65 miles of trails at Galbraith Mountain is permanently secured, and the area is protected from development. The trails have been developed into a nationally renowned mountain biking destination and are also suitable for family outings, running, hiking and walking. This means a mature stand of trees and an extensive trail network sit alongside an area especially known for mountain biking.
Agriculture and Historic Sites
Hovander Homestead Park preserves the history of pioneer agriculture and covers nearly 350 acres, with more than a mile of riverfront. The Hovander House is also part of the historic story: it was completed in 1903, and its historic furnishings include original pieces brought from Sweden by the family. The park landscape, riverfront and preserved furnishings offer different ways to connect with the history of pioneer agriculture.
The Fairhaven Historic District was first platted in 1883 and contains Fairhaven’s best-preserved commercial buildings. Historic Fairhaven is also included in free, mobile, self-guided tours of historic districts. As the tourism program may change, check the tours’ current availability before your trip.
The Peace Arch Historical State Park near Blaine offers a different historical perspective. The 67-foot International Peace Arch stands on the U.S.-Canadian border, and the park grounds extend across two countries. The park features landscaped grounds and interpretive panels with audio recordings. Admission to the Whatcom Museum also includes access to the Family Interactive Gallery, a play area for young children with an art studio, toys and activity centers.
Seasons and Local Discoveries
Whatcom County is home to the Mt. Baker Ski Area and is known for winter snow activities, events and sports. The event calendar in Bellingham and Whatcom County includes annual traditions and events such as music and film festivals, parades, art walks and outdoor adventure competitions. Specific dates are essential for planning; check the dates of the events you want to attend.
Local culinary discoveries are also part of the offerings: the named Yummy Lummi Island Trail invites visitors to explore the island’s treats and specialties. The tourism program may change, so check whether the offering is currently available before your trip. In Bellingham, Bellingham International Airport offers frequent service from Seattle as well as nonstop flights from selected U.S. cities. Flight schedules may change, so check current connections before your trip.
More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Bellingham, Blaine, Ferndale, Lynden, Glacier, Deming, Maple Falls, Jefferson County.
Return to the main travel guide: Washington.
