There are many opportunities for fun and adventure in the Bellingham Mt. Baker region. Here are a few sample itineraries to help you plan your trip.

Half day Bellingham sampler (4 hours)

• Leave Interstate 5, City Center Exit 253
• Stop at the Visitors Center for maps, brochures and ideas.
• Head downtown and visit the Whatcom Museum of History & Art.
• Stroll a few blocks south to see the American Museum of Radio and Electricity.
• Enjoy a meal downtown before heading south to historic Fairhaven district (I-5 Exit 250). Stroll among the various shops, learn about the history of the region and take in the views of the bay.

Or another one

• Heading North from Seattle, take I-5 Exit 231 and follow signs to Chuckanut Drive (State Highway 11) . Enjoy the views and restaurants along this two lane highway overlooking the San Juan Islands.
• Arrive in historic Fairhaven and enjoy the historic ambiance.
• Venture North on I-5 to Exit 252 to Western Washington University. Tour their world renowned sculpture garden or take in one of the performances that may be available.

Full day adventure options (8 plus hours)

• In the summer take an Orca whale watch cruise or a tour to the San Juan Islands (all day trip).
• Visit a bike rental store and get a mountain bike. Try one of our many trails in town or in the country.
• Connect with a local kayak operator and paddle among the coves and bays of the region.
• Rent a canoe at Bloedel Donovan Park on Lake Whatcom or Silver Lake County Park along the Mt. Baker Highway.
• Find a quiet inn, bed and breakfast or hotel to relax after a strenuous day.
• Check our water adventure fact sheet for more ideas.

Mt Baker Scenic Byway (6 plus hours)

Our Mt Baker Byway site provides details on a variety of attractions along State Route 542. Here’s a sampler:

• Visit the Mt. Baker Winery, 4298 Mount Baker Highway for exceptional wines.
• Try your luck at the Nooksack River Casino
• Visit the Black Mountain Forestry Center in Maple Falls and learn about the history of forestry.
• View the majestic Nooksack Falls.
• Take a picture of Mt. Shuksan, one of the most photographed peaks in the Western hemisphere.
• Ski or snowboard at Mt Baker Ski area, one of the premier ski destinations in the Northwest (and more snow than you can imagine!).

Head for the birds, bays and beaches (half day plus)

• Heading North from Bellingham, take I-5 Exit 270 west to Birch Bay. Stroll along the sand and rocky beaches, enjoying a sunset over the calm bay.
• Take in water fowl, bald eagles and many bird species that reside and migrate here year-round.
• Venture North on SR 548 towards Blaine. Relax and unwind at the world renowned Semiahmoo Resort or play golf.
• Take the Plover Ferry (seasonal) across from Semiahmoo to downtown Blaine.
• Watch the many birds that populate the shallow waters around Drayton Harbor.
• Visit the Peach Arch State Park where you can stroll among flowers, sculptures and right under the arch that straddles the U.S. and Canadian border.