With forested hills, sparkling lakes, and miles of beautiful shoreline, Bellingham is an outdoor lover’s paradise just waiting to be explored on foot. From peaceful urban strolls to epic coastal hikes, the area’s trails deliver jaw-dropping scenery and plenty of fresh air year-round.
Let’s get to it.
Boulevard Park
Discovering Boulevard Park reveals a bayfront path paved for easy walking, with minimal elevation changes. The half-mile shoreline loop connects to longer routes toward Fairhaven and downtown via the South Bay Trail. Wooden sections like Taylor Dock and Paddle Point Trestle extend over the water, while benches offer uninterrupted views of the bay and the San Juan Islands.
Dogs on leash mingle with joggers and strollers, creating a friendly atmosphere. A pebbly beach at low tide invites rock collectors, and the playground keeps youngsters busy. Picnic tables and barbecue grills appear along the path for afternoon gatherings. Fishing enthusiasts cast lines from the shoreline or docks, while others head to Woods Coffee just steps away for refreshments. Wide opening hours allow early morning jogs or evening strolls, and the setting sun paints the water gold. Occasional maintenance closures may reroute trails, but clear signage guides visitors around any work zones.
Bellingham Boardwalk
Stretching along the waterfront, the Bellingham Boardwalk spans 0.6 miles of gently sloping path combining wood planks and smooth concrete. The level surface welcomes strollers, wheelchairs, and a casual pace without risking a latte spill. Both ends connect to van-accessible parking, ramps, benches, and public restrooms at Boulevard Park and Fairhaven.
Leashed dogs are welcome, and water bowls at select benches keep them comfortable. Children enjoy a pirate-themed playground near the on-site coffee shop, which serves fresh brews and snacks. Benches line the path at short intervals, offering spots to rest or watch boats glide by. Scenic viewpoints include railings and lighting for safe evening strolls. Frequent train passages add a nostalgic touch, and occasional seals or sea lions appear near the pilings. Spring through fall offers the best conditions, while winter walks require traction to avoid slippery planks.
Whatcom Falls Park
Tucked into Bellingham’s urban edge, Whatcom Falls Park offers the classic Pacific Northwest experience: towering evergreens, thick moss, a couple of ponds, a picturesque stone bridge, and a waterfall that lives up to the hype. The park features over three miles of well-maintained trails catering to every fitness level. Short loops around Derby and Scudder’s Ponds cover about 1.5 miles, while the Whatcom Creek trail stretches under 4.5 miles with just enough elevation to get your heart pumping without breaking a sweat. The main waterfalls draw weekend crowds, and the paved sections make stroller walks easy.
Park amenities include clean restrooms, ample parking, picnic tables, and barbecue grills. Benches along the trails invite a mid-hike pause. Near the entrance, playgrounds and athletic fields welcome families. Leashed dogs are allowed, keeping the atmosphere relaxed. In wet weather, the deeper trails can be slippery and muddy, while dry days bring prime hiking conditions. Well-marked paths and regular maintenance from city crews add to the park’s appeal.
Elizabeth Park
Elizabeth Park manages to feel both cozy and spacious. Its 4.5 acres feature wide lawns framed by heritage trees that offer generous shade. Paved and gravel paths wind under these majestic canopies, guiding you past a central fountain and a charming gazebo.
A playground attracts families after school hours and on fair afternoons. Nearby pickleball and tennis courts invite friendly matches or competitive play. Sidewalks accommodate strollers and wheelchairs with ease, and dogs on leash are a common sight.
In spring, the trees bloom in soft pinks, then transform to vibrant fall colors later in the year. The park stays open year-round from early morning until dusk, with on-street parking available along the perimeter. Ample seating areas and gentle pathways make Elizabeth Park a reliable local favorite for relaxation or light recreation.
Teddy Bear Cove – Chuckanut Mountain Trails
Teddy Bear Cove offers more than its charming name suggests. This 1.8-mile out-and-back hike begins with peaceful boardwalks winding through Douglas firs and cedars. Before long you encounter a series of wooden stairs and switchbacks that rise over a gravel-covered trail, then transition to tight boardwalk planks.
The final stretch delivers you onto a sandy beach of crushed clam shells, where sweeping views of Chuckanut Bay, nearby islands, and the Olympic Mountains await. Low-tide tidepools host crabs and small marine life, while summer evenings sometimes bring gentle bioluminescence at dusk.
Trail signage is clear throughout, and regular maintenance keeps stairs and walkways in good shape. There are no restrooms on the beach, and dogs must remain behind a designated point, so plan accordingly. Weekday visits in the off-season often grant solitude, while weekends see more hikers eager for fresh air and shoreline scenery.
Zuanich Point Park
At Zuanich Point Park, the 4.4 acres feel packed with activity. A smooth 0.6-mile pathway lets strollers, bikers, and walkers enjoy a nearly flat route with only six feet of incline, so you can focus on the scenery… Wide views stretch across Squalicum Harbor and Bellingham Bay, and on clear days Mount Baker appears on the horizon. Boats dot the water, and wind-driven kites often hover overhead.
Free parking sits right by the entrance, and clean restrooms stand nearby. Benches line the path at regular intervals, inviting quick rests or longer breaks to take in the view. A children’s playground offers slides and swings, while a floating dock appeals to anglers or quiet contemplation by the water. Leashed dogs are welcome, making it a favorite spot for pet owners. Weekends and sunny afternoons draw larger crowds, but weekday mornings remain peaceful. Even in winter, the trail holds up well, though a gusty wind will remind you that you’re close to the water.
Lake Padden Park
Surrounded by rolling hills, Lake Padden Park offers a 2.6-mile loop around its namesake lake. The packed-gravel trail stays flat, making it accessible for wheelchairs, strollers, and casual walkers. Along the main loop, fishing docks provide quiet spots to cast a line, and picnic tables and barbecue grills appear under scattered pines.
Beyond the shoreline, a network of forest trails invites hikers seeking a quieter walk. The South Loop adds distance and a gentle climb among wildflowers, while the backcountry loop takes you deeper into wooded terrain with roots and soft earth underfoot. Kayak rentals sit near the boat launch, and an off-leash dog area keeps pups running free on nearby grass. Sports courts and a disc golf course add diverse recreation options.
Accessible restrooms and ample parking make day trips easy. On summer weekends, the main trail grows busy, but branching into the back trails restores peace. The park’s signage clearly marks trailheads and distance markers, so navigation is straightforward. Birdwatchers and nature lovers will find regular sightings of songbirds and waterfowl along the shoreline.
Larrabee State Park
Spanning forest and shoreline, Larrabee State Park blends old-school charm with a variety of trails and beaches near Bellingham. The Fragrance Lake trail is a moderate 4.2-mile round-trip, gaining about 1,060 feet through old-growth forest before arriving at an alpine lake with views of Samish Bay. For more solitude, the extended loop around Fragrance Lake stretches farther into the forest and offers birdwatching opportunities.
Clayton Beach provides a family-friendly spot with gravel shores, sandstone ledges, boardwalks, and tide pools at low tide. Access involves a flight of stairs, making strollers a challenge. Serious hikers can tackle the Chuckanut Ridge Trail for nearly 9 miles of rocky climbs and root-filled sections, rewarded by sweeping views of Mount Baker and Bellingham Bay. Campsites, restrooms, and picnic shelters appear near the park entrance. Leashed dogs are welcome on all trails, and parking fills up fast on summer weekends. Whether in the forest or along the shore, Larrabee delivers classic Northwest scenery.
Sehome Hill Arboretum
Hidden among the hills of Bellingham, Sehome Hill Arboretum covers 175 acres and offers roughly six miles of easy to moderate trails winding through Douglas fir stands and past sandstone outcrops. A hand-blasted tunnel along Tunnel Ridge Loop adds a historic touch and gives hikers a chance to duck under a rocky hillside. If you’re short on time, the paved Lookout Tower Loop is quick and accessible, while the dirt paths of Tunnel Ridge and Huntoon reward you with a bit more distance and variety.
Elevation gain tops out at around 620 feet, where an 80-foot wooden observation tower provides sweeping views of Bellingham Bay. There are no restrooms on site, so plan ahead. Street parking is free and marked with a few information kiosks. The paved summit road accommodates strollers and wheelchairs, and leashed dogs are welcome on paved sections only. Trails remain open in all weather—just choose sturdy footwear in wet conditions and leave the fancy sneakers at home if you’d rather not give your shoes a PNW mud bath.
Squalicum Creek Park
Squalicum Creek Park stretches over 36 acres without overwhelming visitors. An easy 0.8-mile paved loop accommodates strollers and wheelchairs, while gravel spurs extend to Little Squalicum Beach for those seeking a mild hill or a waterside stroll.
Benches, picnic shelters, and basketball courts create versatile gathering spots. Birdwatchers often spot herons along the creek, and a salmon enhancement area highlights local conservation efforts. A modern playground keeps kids busy, and a nearby off-leash dog area lets pets run freely.
Restrooms and accessible parking are located close to the main paths. Trail markers remain clear in all seasons, and park staff maintain cleanliness even after heavy rains. Weekdays bring a calm atmosphere, whereas weekends draw local families looking to picnic, play games, and explore the creekside trails.
Cornwall Park
Cornwall Park truly lives up to its reputation as an urban oasis. Spanning roughly 70 acres, its mostly flat trails form loops of 1.5 to 2 miles. Paths are paved or well-packed gravel, and short boardwalks carry you over Squalicum Creek.
Towering Douglas firs and western red cedars line the routes, while seasonal mushrooms peek from mossy banks. Two playgrounds provide safe spaces for children, and a summer-only splash area invites warm-weather fun. A disc golf course, picnic shelters, and open lawns cater to a variety of interests.
Parking lots at both main entrances and clean restrooms add convenience. The Cornwall Rose Garden and an ornamental pond offer quieter spots away from the main green expanses. Dogs on leash are welcome, and waste stations are scattered along the trails. Early mornings and weekdays are best for solitude, while weekends bring a friendly crowd of joggers and families.
Bloedel Donovan Park
At the shores of Lake Whatcom, Bloedel Donovan Park blends waterfront fun with easy walking paths and picnic spots. You’ll find a boat launch, paddleboard rentals, and sandy beach areas that fill with swimmers and sunbathers on warm weekends. An off-leash section lets dogs stretch their legs, while families and visitors with mobility aids can rely on flat concrete sidewalks and benches scattered around the main park buildings.
A short educational loop follows the stormwater system for about a third of a mile, offering insight without feeling like homework. For a longer outing, the Railroad Trail begins here and stretches 3.3 miles one way. It climbs gently past the Alabama Street crossing and shifts between crushed stone, bark mulch, and well-maintained dirt. Birdwatchers often detour toward Scudder or St. Clair Pond, while others simply enjoy lake views and the park’s community atmosphere. It can get busy when the sun appears, but the mix of water access and varied trails keeps it one of Bellingham’s most popular green spaces.
