Getting Here
It’s easy to get here. And even easier to get around once you are here.
Located in the far northwest corner of Washington State, Whatcom County is easily accessible by land, sea, or air. Canada forms the county’s northern border while the Skagit Valley lies to the south. Mt. Baker dominates the county’s eastern horizon and island-dotted Puget Sound beckons from the west.
For those in a hurry, I-5 bisects the county north/south, moving travelers rapidly from Seattle (80 miles to the south) and Vancouver, BC (40 miles to the north). If you prefer a more leisurely route, back roads and scenic highways meander through farmlands and alongside spectacular waterfront vistas, hugging the rolling foothills of the Cascade and Chuckanut mountains.
Two daily trains transport travelers to the Amtrak station in Bellingham from Seattle or Vancouver and points in between. Alaska Airlines and Allegiant Air provide non-stop service between Bellingham and an ever-increasing number of destinations, including Seattle, Honolulu, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Oakland, Phoenix, and Palm Springs.
Four international border crossings – Peace Arch on I-5 and Hwy. 543, both in Blaine; Hwy. 539 in Lynden; and Hwy. 9 in Sumas – provide access between British Columbia, Canada and the United States.
Once here, it’s easy to get around – especially if your preferred mode of transportation involves foot-power, pedal-power, or paddle-power. Stop by the visitor center for street maps, bike maps, trail maps, marine parks, and more.