Get outside and enjoy the day!

Waypoint Park and the Pump Track (.3 miles)

Waypoint Park is situated on the waterfront site of a former paper mill which has been cleaned up and is being redeveloped. The park is next to the newly completed Granary Building, features a large re-created 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. Views "down Sound" and up toward the downtown can be had from this location and is easy walking distance from Hotel Leo.

Boulevard Park (2 miles)

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, a popular cafe, beaches, extensive lawn, picnicking, a dock, 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 the walkway to another without falling in the water, or turn the other direction and watch the sailboats or paddlers on the Bay. Boulevard Park sits right between Downtown and Fairhaven on the Southbay Trail, part of our extensive trail network that winds through Bellingham and all the way down the Chuckanut Coast.

Marine Park (2.7 miles)

Bellingham is graced with green spaces interwoven through our community, and 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. Note that the beach was built by the Port of Bellingham ten years ago and has been “growing into” the surrounding waterfront.

Woodstock Farm (4.3 miles)

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. The site of Woodstock Farm was used for thousands of years by earlier residents, including the Mamosee people and followed by their successors and kin among 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.

Larrabee State Park (7.5 miles)

Larrabee had its beginnings in 1915 when the Larrabee family donated 20 acres to the state to be made into a park. It's become a recreation haven for locals and visitors alike. This seaside 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, and beachcombing are among the other recreational options.

Zuanich Park (2 miles)

A spacious waterfront park with open views of the Bellingham Bay, kite flyers, rollerblading, and boats at harbor. Great for a picnic or a walk. Plenty of lawn, picnic tables, and paved walking trails.

Little Squalicum Park (2.5 miles)

Off-leash dog park with plenty of graveled trails through trees and down to Little Squalicum Beach. A former industrial site, this park has been reclaimed for public use - dog walking, running, biking, and beach sitting.

Clayton Beach (8.6 miles)

Clayton Beach is a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike 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.

LAKE ACCESS

Bloedel-Donovan Park (3.6 miles)

This is a classic Bellingham City park at the south end of our reservoir, Lake Whatcom, with picnic facilities, a swimming beach, an off-leash dog area & a 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 our heritage as a resource extraction town: canneries, lumber, coal, and stone. Western 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 a beautiful setting. Additionally, Western Gallery is a fine art gallery on campus; check the website for current exhibitions and hours. While the gallery is closed on university holidays, the sculptures can be viewed anytime.

Lake Padden (4.4 miles)

A lovely lake 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 looking forward to picnics or a playground, trail running or biking, dog walking or roaming in the off-leash area, Lake Padden is a welcome recreation respite from busy days.

Lake Samish (9.5 miles)

Situated between the Chuckanut Mountains and Lookout Mountain, between the lakeshore and densely forested slopes, this 26-acre site offers swimming and trail walking.

STREAM ACCESS

Whatcom Falls Park (2.8 miles)

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 (4.3 miles)

For a peaceful streamside walk in the woods, head south to Arroyo Park. 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.

NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS

Elizabeth Park (1.1 miles)

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 stroll with a friend or linger longer over one of the weekly outdoor concerts during the summer months.

Fairhaven Village Green Park (2.3 miles)

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. Outdoor movies are shown here on summertime Saturday nights.

Sehome Hill Arboretum (1 mile)

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.

SCULPTURE PARKS

Western Outdoor Sculpture Collection (1 mile)

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 a 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.

Big Rock Garden Park (4.2 miles)

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