Running / Walking - Bellingham Washington

The 2.5 mile South Bay Trail is my personal favorite. It is a scenic waterfront trail that runs from the Village Green in Fairhaven to the Depot Market Square in downtown Bellingham. This trail features great views of Bellingham Bay and the Canadian Coast Mountains as it runs over the water and through beautiful Boulevard Park. Many local waterfowl can be seen between Taylor Dock and the park including herons, cormorants, loons, sea gulls, geese and ducks. Seals can also be seen swimming in the bay. Another attraction for many people is the new Woods Coffee business located right along the trail in Boulevard Park. A perfect place to stop and get your favorite drink!

Whatcom Falls Park Trails

Whatcom Falls Park has miles of scenic trails along Whatcom Creek that are great for the warmer days. Mostly shaded, the trails connect Whatcom Falls Park to Bloedel Donovan Park and Scudder Pond, St. Clair Park and to the Railroad Trail. Some park areas around the middle falls (burn area) area still closed, but the trails are open and have nice view points and benches. Dog are allowed off-leash on the trails across the stone bridge (right) north of the creek.

Squalicum Promenade

The Squalicum Promenade is a 1+ mile paved path that connects Zuanich Point Park to the Bellwether Hotel and Tom Glenn Common. This scenic path is great for walking, jogging and roller-blading. It is flat and offers great views of Bellingham Bay, Squalicum Marina and Lummi Island. The waterfront trail is used for several area events including the Bellingham Bay Marathon and the Fairhaven Runners 15K. If you think you smell something good along the trail, your probably near Anthony's Restaurant and the Hearthfire Grill, two popular waterfront restaurants located on the promenade. Parking is available at both ends in Zuanich Point Park and in the Bellwether on the Bay development.

Lake Padden Loop Trail

Lake Padden Park has a very popular 2.6 mile trail that circles the lake and is used regularly by many walkers and runners. The trail is also used for numerous annual athletic events including the Jr. Ski to Sea Race and the Lake Padden Triathlon. The trail is relatively open and flat on the north side and runs through a beautiful forested hillside on the south end. Dogs need to be leashed on the loop trail for safety. Recent improvements to this trail have kept it in good condition during the rainy season except near the swimming area where it still gets pretty muddy at times. For those who want a little more challenge, this park also has some steeper trails that run through the hillside south of the lake and are used by runners, mountain bikers and hikers.

Railroad Trail

The Railroad Trail is a 3.1 mile long trail that runs from Memorial Park all the way up to Bloedel Donovan Park on Lake Whatcom. The trail takes an easy uphill climb as it runs up Alabama Hill following an old railroad grade. There is a nice view of the city from the Alabama Street overpass which is near the top of the climb. The trail runs through the back end of Whatcom Falls Park as it reaches its peak elevation. The Trail runs right behind Roosevelt Elementary School and the Barkley Shopping District and provides easy access to both places for area residents. Trail users will often see local waterfowl in both Scudder Pond and St. Clair Pond from this trail.

Interurban Trail

The Interurban Trail is a 6.5 mile long compact gravel trail connecting Fairhaven to Larrabee State Park on Chuckanut Drive. It is a great place for walking, jogging and bike riding and is very popular with area residents. This path is mostly shaded and stays relatively dry during the rainy months (except at Arroyo Park). It is a scenic trail that follows an old railroad bed and is relatively flat except in two areas. The steepest section is where the trail crosses Chuckanut Creek near Old Samish Highway (where there used to be a railroad trestle). The other significant dip is near the south end of the trail close to Larrabee State Park. The Interurban trail is used to reach Teddy Bear Cove, Woodstock Farm and several hiking trails on Chuckanut Mountain.

Arroyo Park Trail

Arroyo Park Trail is a steep and beautiful 3/4 mile long trail that crosses Chuckanut Creek canyon. This trail runs through a densely wooded area along the creek and can get pretty muddy in the rainy season, especially on the steeper, southern slope. It is used by walkers, runners, mountain bikers, off-leash dogs and horses. Arroyo Park provides a scenic connection through the canyon where the old railroad trestle used to be. Interurban Trail users can also bypass this section with a short detour on Chuckanut Dr. and California St.

Hertz Trail

Hertz Trail is a 3.1 mile long trail that follows an old railroad grade along the north shore of Lake Whatcom. About a 15 minute drive from the city, this easy, scenic trail is one of my favorites for running and is worth the extra drive for a change of scenery. It offers great views of the lake and has several nice places to access the water and get your feet wet. A seasonal waterfall can be seen from the trail near the one mile marker. The trail stays in relatively good condition year-round for hiking, biking and jogging. Dogs using the Hertz Trail must now be on leash and pet waste needs to be cleaned up (Lake Whatcom is the source of our drinking water). The trailhead parking lot is located at the end of North Shore Drive. More info

Sehome Hill Arboretum

Sehome Hill Arboretum (25th and Bill McDonald Parkway) Over 5 miles of trails in a natural forest setting. Located next to the WWU campus, the arboretum can be accessed by several trails around the hill and by one road (25th) that has a parking lot at the top. Visitors can walk through the sandstone tunnel and climb up the observation tower at the ttop of the hill for a nice view of Bellingham and north Whatcom County. Many college students use the trails to get back and forth to classes and area athletes use the steep trails for a good training run.