To complement the full race calendar in Bellingham/Whatcom County, there is a host of groups that help locals and visitors connect with others on a weekly basis for fun and fitness. Opportunities include walking, running and hiking. The organizers are welcoming and excited to see new people join their ranks.
Fairhaven Runners
Located in the heart of historic Fairhaven, Fairhaven Runners offers weekly Fun Runs and Walks, special events and is best known for the Fairhaven Runners 15K.
All Paces Run |Tuesdays, 6 pm – weekly
Get fit, get inspired and have fun! Led by staffers and volunteers, runs are 20 minutes out and back on two key routes, by the water or through the woods. Participants are divided into groups ranging from run/walk to seven-minute pace. Meets at the store.
Tuesdays | Workout 5:30 pm – weekly
Join the fun for a planned workout (or one of your own) on the track. Meet at Sehome High School parking lot.
Wednesdays | Evening Epic Run 6 pm -weekly
Strenuous runs of 1.5-2 hours on hilly terrain with experienced trail runners. Often epic.
Select Saturdays | Fairhaven Walking Club 8 AM
Join in the fun and good exercise at a Welcoming Walk or Pick Up the Pace Walk that occurs once or more a month at a variety of locations. Well attended. Plan on good exercise and camaraderie, versus casual strolling. Monthly walks will be posted on the Community Walking and Hiking page. You can also call the store at (360) 676-4955 to find out where the group will be walking.
Mt. Baker Hiking Club
Weekend hikes.
Contact: Mt. Baker Hiking Club or e-mail info@mountbakerclub.org.
Description: Organization provides regular opportunities for hiking on the weekend. Also biking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, canoeing, kayaking, and monthly social activities. Promotes conservation of recreational areas. A great way to meet new friends and explore the area.
Newcomers Club Men’s Hiking Group
Wednesdays & Fridays, 8:30 AM
Contact: Information@whatcomnewcomers.org, website – http://whatcomnewcomers.org
Description: Club’s mission is to bridge the transition of new residents by providing a forum for friendships, information and activities.
Boomers Hiking Club
Wednesdays usually
Contact info: ken@bellinghamwow.com or 360-921-2615
Description: A local Bellingham group of Boomers that LOVE hiking the North Cascades. They usually make day trips to the Mt Baker area in both Whatcom & Skagit Counties.
Northwest Singles Club Walk Group
Mondays, 10 am,
Contact info: Mary Lu at 733-0139 or facebook.com/pages/Northwest-Singles-Club/313398026118
Description: Meeting at the top of Taylor Street Dock, 4.6-mile roundtrip walk along the waterfront, various paces welcome. Open to walkers 21 and older, do not have to be single for walks, drop-ins welcome.
NW Tulip Trekkers Volkssport Club
Scheduled group walks and self-guided walk route maps available at various locations
Contact: NW Tulip Trekkers, American Volkssport Association, or e-mail cmmyron@earthlink.net or call Curt or Martha Myron at 360-679-3638.
Description: NW Tulip Trekkers is an outdoor walking club, based in the coastal counties between Seattle and Canada. The group promotes recreational walking for all ages, through scheduled group walks, American Volkssport Association-sanctioned volksmarches, monthly meetings and a monthly newsletter. The club provides information about local and out-of-town AVA events. The Trekkers Club is designed for AVA-member-walkers and for individuals and families who want to walk for fun and fitness.
Bellingham Senior Center- The Button Walkabouts & Senior Trailblazers
Walks and hikes throughout the week
Contact: Info. and walk calendar available at (360) 733-4030, Whatcom County Parks/Seniors/Bellingham or Patti at 752-1619.
The Button Walkabouts
Every Tuesday and Thursday morning group leaving the center at 9:45 am, either walking from the center or carpooling to the designated location.
Senior Trailblazers
Thursdays 9 am, two different choices of hikes each week at various locations. All walkers must be members of the Bellingham Senior Activity Center
Whatcom County Senior Centers
Weekly walks may be available at different centers throughout Whatcom County
Contact: Whatcom County Parks
Bellingham Mountaineers
Contact: Bellingham Mountaineers
Description: The Bellingham Mountaineers is one of six regional branches of The Mountaineers, an outdoor and conservation club based in Seattle, WA. The Bellingham branch offers programs in climbing, hiking, snowshoeing and backcountry skiing. Our branch is run entirely by volunteer members who lead trips, teach courses and provide trail maintenance
Greater Bellingham Running Club
Check out the full calendar of events with the GBRC
For more ideas about fun things to do and where to stay in Bellingham visit our home page.