We could send you an hour east to places like Excelsior Pass, Yellow Aster Butte, or Skyline Divide to get your hike on, and you absolutely should check out those incredible areas, but to get a great hike in Bellingham you don’t even really need to leave town! We are so lucky to have an awesome array of great trails just outside of our front doors. From epics that will leave you with tired legs to a quick jaunt through the woods Bellingham proper has you covered.
If you’re the ultra-fit hiker and want to challenge your cardio, consider hiking or running up Oyster Dome to Samish Overlook. After a few initial sweeping switchbacks off Chuckanut drive, the trail turns to steep rooty goodness that will have you begging for the top. This is a true reward hike, as once you’ve reached Oyster Dome you’re met with a giant rock outcropping and stunning views of Bellingham Bay and the San Juan Islands. Round trip up and back down is just about 7 miles with a 2,100-foot elevation gain. It might not sound like much for experienced hikers, but take our word for it, it’s a bit of a lung buster.
Photo by Kelsey Bumsted
If you love the idea of Oyster Dome but want to do something a bit less popular that same area offers a ton of other options on both the front and back side of Chuckanut and Blanchard Mountains. Starting from the same lot as Oyster Dome, you can take the PNW Trail Connector to Lizard Lilly Connector and Max’s Shortcut. This will mostly keep you in the trees, shrouded in massive canopy of old growth cedars. On summer days huckle and thimble berries provide trailside nutrition. This hike is less intense and less crowded. It also has a couple lakes in case you want to filter water or go for a quick swim!
Swim you say? There’s no better swimming in Bellingham than the cool, crisp waters of Lake Whatcom. Fortunately, the Chantarelle Trail ends at the North Lake Whatcom Trail and offers bountiful swimming options from beaches to private little coves and ample opportunities to jump and splash around. The trail and surrounding area are dog friendly too, so if Fido is along for the stroll, it can cool down too. The Chantarelle Trail is a multi-use trail shared most often with mountain bikers but have no fear, they’re very friendly and happy to share the forest. It’s a 4.2 mile out and back that offers a great view of Lake Whatcom and surrounding local mountains. This trail gets lovely evening light so plan for a finish and a sunset picnic at the lake!
If you’re looking for something much mellower and close to everything, you simply can’t beat a stroll through Whatcom Falls Park. Bellingham is an oasis and it’s on full display in this beautiful, urban sanctuary that features several gorgeous and full waterfalls throughout its trail network. The Park is packed with miles of trails, creeks, a duck pond, plenty of resting spots, and lots of quiet areas tucked away. This is a busy area, but it’s still easy to find quiet among the gorgeous trees and rushing water. In the summertime people swim in the creek and even jump off some of the bigger cliffs for a cool down. While there’s essentially no elevation gain in this park, it’s a great place to trail run, walk with the kids, or take the dogs for a stroll. It truly is one of our local gems.
Photo by Kelsey Bumsted
Last but not least is the mountain that has something for everyone: Galbraith. Located in the heart of Bellingham, Galbraith Mountain boasts over 80 miles of trails. It’s used by hikers, equestrians, and mountain bikers alike and offers incredible views of the city, Mt. Baker, the Sisters and north to the Coast Mountains in Canada. You can go as far as you want in this monstrous maze of trails and enjoy everything from clear cuts bustling with Foxgloves and Fireweed to beautiful dark forests with creeks running through the vicinity. Trails range from mellow to very technical for hikers and can be as steep or as easy as you want. Be sure to download an app like Trailforks as it is easy to get lost in the web!
Whether you’re planning an all-day exploration of Galbraith or just trying to get out to stretch the legs and lungs on Oyster Dome, there’s no shortage of trails. We’ve only listed a small sampling of what’s in store for you in Bellingham. So, lace up your boots, grab your water, and get hiking!
