Gorgeous Bellingham Trails and Hikes

The Bellingham area is known for its natural beauty, and decades of park land acquisition by our community has provided residents and visitors with a great variety of well maintained trails to enjoy year round. Whether you are looking for a short walk along the bay shore or strenuous hike with unparalleled views, Bellingham and Whatcom county has what you’re looking for. 

At Hotel Leo and Heliotrope Hotel, these are the top trails and hikes we recommend to our guests:

Oyster Dome

A local favorite, on a clear day this steady ascent rewards with unparalleled views of the San Juan Islands, the Olympic Mountains and Coast Mountains of BC. The route up through verdant forest offers peekaboo hints of what’s to come once you stand atop the Oyster Dome, a precipitous sheer cliff on Blanchard Mountain. For a longer hike, begin on Chuckanut Drive; to cut the distance - and uphill ascent - in half, start at the Samish Overlook, with sweeping views of the Skagit Valley to the south.

Fragrance Lake

A classic Whatcom County hike, a well-graded switchback trail takes you up to a picturesque mountain lake. The journey is as good as the destination, with forest hiking that crosses streams and a viewpoint of the San Juan Islands halfway to the lake. Once at Fragrance, enjoy a clear water dip or swim across the lake, circumnavigate this freshwater gem on the lakeshore trail, or picnic with friends. There are several routes to and from the lake. Check out Ken Wilcox’s book Hiking Whatcom County for ideas.

Sehome Hill Arboretum

If you’re visiting Western Washington University, enjoy a walk on one of the many trails in this 175.5-acre forest bordering the campus, preserved thanks to the foresight of early settlers. Most trails in the arboretum will lead up to the observation tower on the top of the hill, with sweeping views of the city and Bellingham Bay. Stop by and walk through the campus while you're there - it's known for its beauty, buildings, and outdoor sculpture collection.

North Lake Whatcom Trail / Hertz Trail

The vast expanse of Lake Whatcom - Bellingham’s water source - offers public access in just two places, and this gentle trail on the north end is one of them. Perfect for any age and ability and in every season, a leisurely stroll on the Hertz Trail takes walkers past old-growth trees, streams and waterfalls, lake access and views. Walk 3.1 miles to the trail's end, or turn around sooner - the waterfall at one mile and stand of old-growth trees at 2.5 miles are highlights. Note: the Hertz Trail is a 25-minute drive from downtown.

Interurban Trail

The locally loved Interurban Trail links the Fairhaven section of Bellingham with Larrabee State Park to the south. The mixed-surface trail follows an old railway corridor on a mostly level grade, except for one steep section through Arroyo Park. The route is primarily shaded, with peekaboo views of the water and the San Juan Islands. Trail access is from many possible points for a short stroll or long run, passing waterfalls, rivers, beaches along the way. Many trails spur off from the Interurban up to the views and delights of the mountain’s upper reaches. Consider picking up a map at Village Books or any number of other locations - or use your smartphone - to find the trailhead that fits your interests and time.

North Chuckanut Mountain Trailhead

This easily accessible trailhead is a gateway to many Chuckanut Mountain trails. A long ridge of foothills with a couple of distinct peaks, Chuckanut Mountain is part of the Cascade Range, and is the only place where the Cascades come west to meet the sea. From the smorgasbord of trails, select a long hike up to the viewpoint on Raptor Ridge, a shorter exploration to Chuckanut Falls, a stroll down the Interurban Trail, or spend a day going all the way to Pine, Cedar or Lost Lake. Check out Ken Wilcox’s book Hiking Whatcom County for ideas and directions.

South Bay Trail

Walk or run along the abandoned Bellingham & Skagit Interurban Railway grade between Fairhaven and Bellingham, which has been reclaimed as a pedestrian trail. The gentle grade makes it a good option for everyone, and excellent views of Bellingham Bay make for great trailside distractions. Featuring a shoreline trail with bay and island views, the two-mile South Bay Trail connects the Central business district of Bellingham with downtown Fairhaven. Access the Interurban Trail from here. 

Wherever you wander in the Bellingham area, there are many glorious sights to enjoy.