Fall is an amazing time of year for walking and hiking in Bellingham and Whatcom County. Cooler temperatures, warmer colors, and fewer crowds make for ideal wandering conditions. During autumn, it's easy to find both solitude and colorful foliage.
Before setting out on an autumn stroll, you’ll want to be prepared for fall weather! Bring layers, rain protection, and remember to always recreate responsibly. For longer hikes, be sure to also check trail conditions and parking permit requirements ahead of time.
Accessed via North Cascades Highway (State Route 20), 9-mile long Baker Lake is a buzzing recreational hub during summertime. Come fall, it chills out (literally) and brightens with the colors of the season. Take an easy 2-mile (one-way) hike along South Baker Lake Trail to Anderson Point for views across the lake to Mount Baker. Or continue to Maple Grove for an 8-mile roundtrip hike. Watch for vibrant mushrooms along the leaf-lined path. You can even backpack in for year-round camping at either destination. In total, the Baker Lake Trail runs 14 miles (one way) along the lakeshore.
Some of the most accessible sites in the North Cascades National Park Complex are located within Whatcom County. Visit the Ross Lake National Recreation Area in the park to experience Ross Lake, Diablo Lake, and Gorge Lake. These lakes are actually dammed sections of the Skagit River. You can visit all three lakes (and their respective dams).
Walk across Ross Dam on the Ross Dam Trail to access Ross Lake Resort and an extensive network of long-distance trails. Or drive across Diablo Dam to access the North Cascades Institute’s Environmental Learning Center — located on the shores of Diablo Lake.
For a relatively easy, family-friendly fall hike, check out Ladder Creek Falls in Newhalem, located on the edge of North Cascades National Park. This quick .5 mile hike is located behind the Gorge Power House and takes you up to a misty waterfall.
All year round, a light show illuminates the falls and surrounding plant life after dusk, creating a spectacle that both kids and parents will enjoy.