Swimming - Bellingham Washington

Lake Padden Park has an unsupervised swimming area and a bathhouse located in the West entrance to the park. The swimming area has a nice grassy hillside that is popular for sunbathing during the summer. The lake is open to non-motorized boats and is a popular place for fishing. Lake Padden is host to several events during the year including the annual Padden Polar Dip (right) on New Year's Day.

Bloedel Donovan Park has an unsupervised swimming area with a beach and a large open grassy area. The park has a public boat launch, playground, picnic facilities, sand volleyball court, basketball court and a large multipurpose gymnasium. Bloedel Donovan Park is located at the north end of Lake Whatcom near the east end of Alabama Street.

Lake Samish Park has an unsupervised swimming area with a narrow sandy beach. It is a beautiful, wooded park located about 5 miles south of Bellingham on the north end of Lake Samish. Lake Samish Park features a variety of non-powered boat rentals in the summer, a playground, picnic areas and a Day Lodge for group use.

Fairhaven Park and Cornwall Park both have seasonal spray parks perfect for young children on a hot afternoon. Both these parks have playgrounds, grassy areas, picnic facilities and bathrooms near the spray park as well as other amenities. Cornwall Park is located on the north side of Bellingham and Fairhaven Park (right) is at the south end of town.

Birch Bay - During low tide, the vast tide flats of Birch Bay make a great place to dig clams, build sandcastles and fly kites. When the tide comes back in, the central portion of Birch Bay offers a great place for kids to get their feet wet. The shallow bay water is relatively warm after a low tide and provides a fun and safe place for kids on a hot day. Birch Bay has several public parking areas located along Birch Bay Dr. and Birch Bay State Park is located at the southern end of the bay. Birch Bay is 20 miles north of Bellingham.