April 4, 2025

Bellingham’s trail system stands as one of the city’s most valuable yet often underappreciated amenities. For newcomers relocating to the area, understanding how these extensive trail networks connect neighborhoods can be truly eye-opening. What many don’t realize until they arrive is that Bellingham offers a remarkably comprehensive trail system that allows residents to traverse the entire city predominantly off-road, connecting neighborhoods, parks, and natural areas in a seamless web of outdoor accessibility.

The southern portion of Bellingham presents some of the most scenic trail options, beginning with the Chuckanut Mountains and Larrabee State Park. This area features the popular Fragrance Lake trail system, offering substantial elevation gain and beautiful views of the water in a relatively short loop. The Interurban Trail extends from Larrabee State Park through the Edgemoor neighborhood into Fairhaven, covering approximately seven miles of well-maintained gravel trail. Along this southern corridor, trails branch off to destinations like Clark’s Point in Edgemoor, where locals enjoy cliff jumping in the summer months and peaceful sunset views among large madrona trees.

As you continue north, the trail system flows into Fairhaven, connecting with Boulevard Park via a stunning overwater walkway that has become an iconic Bellingham experience. This section borders the South Hill neighborhood, where ambitious trail users can challenge themselves with steep elevation gains on Taylor Avenue or the firefighter-favored Taylor steps. The waterfront trail then continues through downtown Bellingham and the newly developed waterfront area, creating a scenic route with minimal road sections needed to maintain continuity.

The central and eastern portions of Bellingham offer equally impressive trail access, with the Railroad Trail and Bata Baker Trail creating east-west connections through neighborhoods like Columbia, Sunnyland, and Roosevelt. What makes the eastern trail system particularly appealing is its accessibility – virtually every street in neighborhoods like Barkley, Roosevelt, and Alabama Hill has multiple trail access points within a quarter to half mile. Whatcom Falls Park serves as a central hub in this area, featuring a historic CCC-built bridge over dramatic waterfalls, multiple playgrounds, swimming holes, and numerous trail offshoots suitable for families.

Perhaps Bellingham’s crown jewel for outdoor enthusiasts is Galbraith Mountain, accessible from multiple neighborhoods including Whatcom Falls, Puget, and Samish. This working forest offers approximately 20 miles of mountain biking trails ranging from beginner-friendly “bunny trails” to advanced downhill routes, while remaining walker, runner, and dog-friendly throughout. The south entrance provides the most approachable access with a dedicated parking lot and traffic light for safety.

Lake Padden rounds out the city’s trail offerings with a popular 2.5-mile loop around the lake and extensive hiking trails extending behind it. The park includes a large off-leash dog area and connects to the Samish Crest Connector, another hidden gem offering unique views of the city and bay. From Lake Padden, trail users can follow Padden Creek back toward Fairhaven, eventually reconnecting with the Interurban Trail to complete a city-wide loop.

What makes Bellingham’s trail system truly special is its versatility – offering options for every activity level from casual dog-walkers and families with children to hardcore mountain bikers and ultrarunners. The extensive canopy coverage means many trails remain enjoyable even during rainy periods, and the predominantly gravel surfaces ensure year-round accessibility. For newcomers to the area, specialized apps like All Trails and Trail Forks can help navigate the complex network and identify trail difficulties, while neighborhood signage provides additional guidance for explorers of all experience levels.

You can reach Irena Lambrou at [email protected].