Bellingham and Whatcom County are full of parks that provide access to beaches, walking paths, boardwalks, and forest trails on national, state, county, and local public lands.
Remember to Recreate Responsibly and follow all safety guidelines.
Below, find an overview of many parks in Whatcom County.
For more detailed listings, try these resources:
Discover the beauty of the Peak of the PNW! Explore over 90 miles of trails all within the city of Bellingham with Rick Steves. Four episodes at bellingham.org/ricksteves.
Part of the Cascade Loop Scenic Byway, North Cascades National Park can be accessed south of Bellingham on State Route 20 near Burlington. Make sure to enjoy the park's striking scenery, including the crisp teal waters of Diablo Lake, in late spring through early fall before the highway closes yearly due to snow.
You do not need a National Parks pass or any other pass to recreate or park in North Cascades National Park, though you do need a permit for backcountry camping.
A Discover Pass is required to park at all Washington State Park campgrounds and trailheads. The pass is a motor vehicle permit only; you do not need it to enter a Washington State Park by foot, bicycle, or boat.
Birch Bay State Park provides visitors with beach and tideland access. This spot is also a very popular location for bird watching and camping.
Anyone driving along Chuckanut Drive should be sure to stop at Larrabee State Park. Washington's first state park is a popular spot for beachcombing, camping, picnics, and relaxing while taking in spectacular views of the San Juan Islands.
Arroyo Park is located off Chuckanut Drive at 1700 Old Samish Road.
Bay Horizon Park is a former air force radar base featuring open fields and the Lions Camp Horizon Foundation.
Big Rock Sculpture Garden is tucked up in the hills overlooking Lake Whatcom. There are over 37 different sculpture by international and local artists.
Bloedel Donovan gives park-goers beach access to Lake Whatcom with trails providing access to Whatcom Falls.
Boulevard Park is one of the most popular parks in Bellingham. The park provides access to the South Bay Trail and Taylor Dock and is also a great place to take in the views of Bellingham Bay and Downtown Bellingham.
Cornwall Park is located in the middle of Bellingham on 70 acres of land with 1.5 miles of trails to explore. There is also a 9-hole disc golf course, tennis courts, a spray park, and playground.
Deming Park is known for its majestic bald eagles and is located on the edge of the North Fork Nooksack River.
Elizabeth Park is home to Bellingham’s Summer Concert Series and also offers year round access to basketball courts, playgrounds, tennis courts, and trails.
Fairhaven Park is a beautiful community area located near Bellingham’s Historic Fairhaven Village.
Hovander Park preserves the rich history of Ferndale’s pioneer farms. The park encompasses nearly 350 acres and includes walking trails overlooking the Nooksack River.
The Interurban Trail sits on the site of the last electric train that ran along the Interurban Railway in 1928. Now the route connects urban greenways in Bellingham’s historic Fairhaven Village with Larrabee State Park and has become a favorite with walkers, runners, and bicyclists.
Enjoy a stroll on the main loop trail that goes around Lake Padden or lengthen your trip by exploring some of the short trails at the east end of the park.
Lake Whatcom Park gives visitors the opportunity to stroll by the lake and walk through a lush forest. The interpretive kiosk, located at the lake shore, tells the story of Lake Whatcom and its significance to our community.
Located in Point Roberts, Lighthouse Marine Park is a 21 acre park that has become known as one of the best spots to view Orca whales from land.
Little Squalicum Park was established as a community park in 1976.
Known as the original Lummi Island ferry landing, this beach is now used for exploring tideland.
Marine Park is a 1.9-acre park that includes beach access to Bellingham Bay. It is also conveniently located near Fairhaven Village and the Bellingham Cruise Terminal.
Located behind Whatcom Museum’s Old City Hall, Maritime Heritage Park offers stunning views of Bellingham Bay and the active waterfront.
Also known as Lynden’s City Park, Million Smiles is known for having the “best playground ever.”
Established in 1991, Northridge Park has trails winding through second growth Douglas Fir forests with pockets of wetlands.
The Sehome Hill Arboretum is a lush, green refuge with 6 miles of trails and is the backyard playground for Bellingham's Western Washington University and Fairhaven College. Established as an arboretum in 1967, Sehome Hill was officially protected from logging by members of Western’s College Board of Trustees in May 1969.
Squalicum Creek Park was developed by Bellingham Parks and Recreation and has nearly 1.5 miles of trails.
Star Park is located just south of Pioneer Park in beautiful Ferndale. It is a playground about 12,000 square feet in size that is split into two areas - one for kids 0-5 and the other for kids 5-12.
At Teddy Bear Cove expect to see magnificent shoreline views of Chuckanut Bay and Clark’s Point. An unusual white sand beach is the result of centuries of crushed clam shells.
Wander down to the beach to enjoy the waterfront and make sure to check out the park’s namesake - the art installation known as “Waypoint” (a.k.a. the “Acid Ball”).
Enjoy more than three miles of trails in Whatcom Falls Park. Stroll through the forests, discover open meadows, and take in the falls. Connect to Bloedel Donovan Park, the Railroad Trail, or do a one-mile loop in the park by beginning in the Silver Beach Road parking area (near the stone bridge at the main falls).
Overlooking Squalicum Harbor, Zuanich Point Park is the venue for community events, boating celebrations, picnics, and outstanding kite flying.
