Parks in Bellingham, Washington

At the northwestern tip of the continental United States, Bellingham is home to greenery beyond imagination. Rivers and creeks tumble from the Cascade Mountains to the bay, and lakes nestle between the foothills of this evergreen city. Sorted by water features and popularity, this list is your guide to the most well-known Bellingham parks, places where the natural beauty will take your breath away.

Parks with Beach Access

Larrabee State Park

Larrabee became Washington’s first state park 1915 when the Larrabee family donated 20 acres to the state. It's a year-round recreation haven for locals and visitors alike. This seaside aspect of the park features a short walk down to a pebble beach with views onto Samish Bay and the San Juan Islands, as well as fantastic sunset views from giant boulders and forested outcrops. Picnicking, boating, fishing, sailboarding, camping and beachcombing are among the other options. At 2,748 acres, Larrabee includes plenty of world-class hiking and biking trails as well, extending to the top of Chuckanut Mountain. 

Clayton Beach

Clayton Beach, part of Larrabee State Park, is a favorite spot for exploring, studying tide pools, and walking or lounging on the sandy stretch. Chuckanut sandstone bluffs make for great rock scrambling. Even the trek down to the beach is beautiful, an easy walk through a cool green forest, with trees providing a shielding canopy from sun or rain. The trail to the beach is almost ¾ of a mile and gives the visitor a feeling of being far away from the hustle and bustle of nearby Bellingham. Clayton Beach does not have picnic tables, restrooms or trash receptacles, so visitors ought be prepared with the necessary supplies. Note that high and low tides offer a different beach experience.

Boulevard Park

Probably the most popular Bellingham city park, Boulevard is built on old coal mining, gas works, and lumber mill property. Fifty years ago this was a wasteland. Today, thanks to the Greenways Levy and the vision of the Bellingham Park Department, it features beaches, an amazing over-water walkway called Taylor Dock, a popular cafe, beaches, extensive lawn, picnicking, and a playground. Looking for a great place to watch the sunset, or jump into Bellingham Bay with local teenagers? A walk after dinner? If you are lucky you can watch slackliners attempting to make it across from one part of Taylor Dock to another without falling in the water, or turn the other direction and watch sailboats and kayakers on the Bay. Boulevard Park sits right between Downtown and Fairhaven on the South Bay Trail, part of our extensive trail network that winds through Bellingham and all the way down the Chuckanut Coast.

Zuanich Park

A spacious waterfront park with open views of Bellingham Bay, San Juan Islands, and, on clear days, a peekaboo glimpse of the top of Mt. Baker. Join kite flyers, rollerbladers for a picnic or walk, along side boats at harbor. Plenty of lawn, benches, and paved walking trails. Be aware that this seaside spot catches lots of wind (hence, the kite flyers)!

Waypoint Park

Waypoint Park is situated on the expansive waterfront site of a former paper mill, at the entrance to a grand redevelopment project. The park, next to the newly completed Granary Building, features a large beach, a huge sphere sculpture from the mill machinery, and a playground. The popular Waterfront Pump Track is across the street – visitors can watch mountain bikers fly around the track or rent a bike (see Bike Rental) and enjoy it themselves free of charge. Be aware there is no on-site parking at Waypoint, but it's an easy stroll from Hotel Leo to views across the Salish Sea and of Bellingham’s downtown can be had from this location and is easy walking distance from Hotel Leo.

Marine Park

Bellingham is graced with green spaces interwoven through our community; this seaside park on the edge of the Fairhaven District is a gem. After a stroll and shop around Fairhaven, head down to Marine Park to an estuary and beach, where picnickers, walkers, kayakers, and families all have space to enjoy a gorgeous Bellingham sunset or stormy day. The beach was restored by the Port of Bellingham ten years ago, benefitting they myriad shorebirds, seals and other marine wildlife that make their home habitat here.

Woodstock Farm

Woodstock Farm is a former country home estate on a bluff over the sea created by Cyrus Gates, a prominent Fairhaven developer, civic leader, and philanthropist. Built between 1905 and 1925, partly as a family home and partly as a showpiece on scenic Chuckanut Drive, the farm was named for Woodstock, Vermont, a special place to Mr. Gates. Like all area parks and green spaces, the site of Woodstock Farm was used for thousands of years by earlier residents, including the Mamosee people and the Samish, Lummi, and Nooksack tribes. This 16-acre old homestead has historic Craftsman structures, well-maintained trails and sweeping views of sea and islands. Very limited parking on site, but a larger parking lot at North Chuckanut Trailhead and a half mile walk to the park is another option.

Little Squalicum Park

Off-leash dog park with plenty of graveled trails through trees and down to lovely Little Squalicum Beach. A former industrial site, this park has been reclaimed for public use - dog walking, running, biking, and taking in expansive Salish Sea views from the beach. 

Lakeside Parks

Lake Padden

A lovely recreational oasis nestled in a hillside neighborhood. The 2.6 mile forested, lakeside walking loop is popular in every season, and residents and visitors alike flock here for summer swims (and the Polar Bear Plunge in January!). Whether you’re seeking picnics or a playground, trail running or biking, dog walking or roaming in the off-leash area, Lake Padden is a welcome respite from busy days.

Lake Samish

Situated between Chuckanut and Lookout Mountain, 26-acre Lake Samish Park offers swimming and trail walking between the lakeshore and densely forested slopes. .

Bloedel-Donovan Park

A classic Bellingham City park at the south end of our reservoir, Lake Whatcom, with picnic facilities, swimming beach, an off-leash dog area and playground (oh, and a boat launch - yes, we may be the only city around that allows boats on its drinking water). This is the former site of a huge lumber mill, and a good reminder of a part of Bellingham’s history as a resource extraction town: canneries, lumber, coal, and stone.

River and Creekside Parks 

Whatcom Falls Park

A water wonderland close to the center of town, this 241-acre park boasts many miles of streamside trails, four waterfalls, fishing pond, tennis courts, playgrounds, and a fish hatchery. Visitors revel in standing on the historic mossy bridge watching the falls crash down, enjoy picnics beside the stream on a summer day, or take a tree-sheltered autumn walk beside Whatcom Creek.

Arroyo Park

Head south to Arroyo Parkfor a peaceful streamside walk in the woods.. This land was set aside by early developers who understood that amidst the growth and expansion of a new city, places ought to remain in their natural state in perpetuity for humans and other species. Arroyo is one of these places, where an uninhibited Chuckanut Creek winds its way down from Chuckanut Mountain’s foothills through Douglas fir, bigleaf maple, and red cedar forests. Each year in November, salmon complete their long Pacific ocean journey and return to the stream to lay eggs and continue their life cycle.

Bellingham Neighborhood Parks

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 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.

Elizabeth Park

This small historic park nestled in a neighborhood is just a short walk from The Heliotrope Hotel. Big trees offer shade in summer and boast beautiful fall colors. Though it won’t take long to experience the whole park, this is a great place to enjoy the playground or tennis courts, stroll with a friend or linger longer over one of the weekly outdoor concerts during the summer months.

Fairhaven Village Green Park

A community gathering place behind our beloved independent bookstore, Village Books, The Green is a great place to people-watch, read a book, or sip a drink on one of the many benches under the wrap-around pergola. Relax or play on the central lawn, or attend one of many seasonal events. A community favorite is the outdoor movies shown here on summertime Saturday nights.

Sculpture Parks

Big Rock Garden

This 2.5 acre park is filled with sculptures from numerous distinguished international and local artists, gardens and meandering trails beautifully integrated into a natural setting. . No pets are allowed in the park.

WWU Outdoor Sculpture Collection

Western Washington University's outdoor sculpture collection has been nationally acknowledged for good reason. Diverse sculptures - many interactive, and from well-known artists - are located throughout the campus, offering interest to a walk through the campus’s park-like beautiful setting. Additionally, Western Gallery is a fine art gallery on the campus- check the website for current exhibitions and hours. While the gallery is closed on university holidays, the sculptures can be viewed anytime.

Every neighborhood in Bellingham has accessible parks, each with their own unique features.. Whatever your age or interest, we encourage you to take the opportunity to explore these natural places and spaces during your visit!