We’re getting outside these days more than ever. Despite the changing seasons (and accompanying Pacific Northwest rain), outdoor adventures are good for our souls. Our exhausted, anxiety-ridden, eight-months-into-a-pandemic souls. With masks and hand sanitizer in tow, we’ve been heading out to lots of local parks and trails. I always consult the AllTrails App and the Washington Trails Association App for current trail conditions before departing. Here are my favorites in and around Bellingham:
This park features beautiful views of Samish Bay and the San Juan Islands and there’s just a short hike down to a pebble beach (a favorite picnic spot of ours). It is the perfect spot for exploring tide pools.
Camping is available. It’s a state park so you’ll need the Discover Pass or a one day pass (automated machines available in the parking lot).
This beach is technically a part of Larrabee, but you must access it via its own trail. There is a parking lot on Chuckanut Drive across from Fragrance Lake Road (and the sign for the trail is across the street from the parking lot). There is one steep rock scramble near the end of the trail as you get close to the beach; little ones will need a hand to hold! This is another great beach for exploring tide pools, and the hike down to the beach is an adventure of its own.
Bordering the San Juan Islands is Lummi Island, a small, bucolic island west of Bellingham. It’s a quiet paradise until we arrive with our kids – then it’s a louder paradise. Biking the island is a great adventure if you have a bike trailer or your kids are old enough to ride independently. A small, open-air car ferry will take you there, but we leave our car behind and just walk on with our bikes and kids in tow. You can do a lovely seven mile loop from the ferry dock, which is a quick and easy way to see the beauty of the island. There are lots of animals to stop and see, there is a public beach accessible behind the Congregational Church (as well as at the ferry dock), and during the summer and early fall nearly the entire island is covered in wild blackberries.
The ferry leaves via Gooseberry Point on the Lummi Indian Reservation, only takes about six minutes, and is fun for the kids (especially if you’re used to traveling on the massive Washington State Ferries).
Semiahmoo Spit (Semiahmoo Park)
There is a paved walking path (stroller friendly) with beautiful views on each side (0.8 miles one way). We usually just let the kids play at the beach during low tide. There are views of Mount Baker and the Twin Sisters, there are several picnic tables, and you’re guaranteed to see lots of birds, especially during the winter.
350 acres of paradise for children: farm animals, a playground, river access, and there’s even a Children’s Story Garden. The kids love the Tennant Lake Marsh Boardwalk (1.4 mile loop)- just make sure to hold the hands of wiley toddlers.
Boulevard Park and Taylor Dock
Located along Bellingham Bay in Fairhaven, this is a wonderful park for kids. Picnic tables, a playground, and a rocky beach perfect for little kids. Woods Coffee is located within the park and they have a to-go window near the playground. The park connects to Taylor Dock, an elevated boardwalk over the bay that connects the park to downtown Fairhaven.
Some of my favorite hikes with kids are located in this park:
Chanterelle Trail– It’s only 4.8 miles but is basically straight up hill… so it’s a great workout, especially if you hike up the Wickersham Truck Road instead, which we’ve been doing recently to avoid the possibility of any crowds. The view at the top is worth it.
Hertz Trail– This trail is flat and has so much to see that your toddler will forget that she’s hungry, tired, and forgot all her dollhouse toys at home, etc. You’ll pass by streams, a waterfall, and a few pieces of beach that are swimmable during the warmer months! The trail is wide and stroller friendly, and it’s perfect for social distancing. (6 miles out and back).
This park is a bit of a trek from Bellingham, but it’s worth the drive. There is much to love about this park: 35 miles of hiking trails, the Puget Sound shoreline, access to three lakes, and the views of the San Juan Islands. There are options for boating, camping, fishing, and swimming, and there are many good spots for whale and seal watching.
The park is located on two islands– Fidalgo to the north and Whidbey to the south. Discover Pass required, or there are automated pay stations in the parking lots.
