My parents visited Bellingham from Wisconsin to see my family and me (which is code for seeing their only granddaughter). I’ve lived in Northwest Washington for many years now, so I have to get a little creative filling our days with awe-inspiring vistas and interesting activities.
They’ve been to Fairhaven a dozen times, walked Taylor Dock and Boulevard Park, hiked the Chuckanuts, soaked in Mt Baker more than once, and wandered around downtown Bellingham plenty. And now with the little one, we have to pick activities that keep 3 generations occupied, entertained and happy.
So, I decided to take them over to Lummi Island for the day. Many visitors ask us if there is anything else to do there besides visit the acclaimed and now famous Willows Inn (which unfortunately wasn’t in the cards for us since we were traveling with my 9-month-old daughter). The answer is yes, there’s plenty to do and see on Lummi Island!
We departed Bellingham around 10 a.m., made the 10:30 a.m. ferry out of Gooseberry Point (which takes approximately 7 minutes from dock to dock), drove around the small but scenic island in less than 30 minutes, did some beach-combing and rock-skipping at the Congregational Church (home to the only public beach on Lummi), enjoyed a lovely hike up the Baker Reserve trail, ate sandwiches and sipped lattes from Tap Root Cafe (of the Willows) and were back in Bellingham by 3:30 p.m.
Here are a couple photos from our lovely day trip.
No, the hike isn’t tough – but there are some steep parts, so I’d advise you to wear good shoes. It’s 4-miles round trip with awesome views of Mt Baker and the nearby islands. My mom would tell you that her favorite part was coming down and that she finally noticed the lush forest and green during the second half of the hike.
Other reasons to visit Lummi Island: its twice-a-year artist studio tour, farmers market, bike around the island, observe reef netting, quaint B & B’s and vacation rentals, sea kayaking, and did I mention the Willows?