Fairhaven Park in South Bellingham, is an easy place to get out and be close with nature. The newly purchased “Chuckanut Community Forest” area is a great addition to the park. The trails that crisscross the park provide an extensive network to explore this special place. The park itself provides a number of amenities for family enjoyment including Barbecue Grills, a Community Building, Multipurpose Fields, an Outdoor Basketball Court, Picnic Shelter, Picnic Tables, Playground, Tennis Courts and Spray Park – Open June 18, 2013, through Labor Day, 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

I am most excited about the trails in the forest. You can see on the map above that there are many places to enter into the trails that criss-cross the forest. One of the easiest trailheads to access is off of Fairhaven Parkway, south on to 24th St. (seen on right hand side of map above). You will see parking space on the right side of the road with a trail head bollard to show you the way across the Interurban Trail, shown with a dark line above. You can also access the trails off of Chuckanut Drive across from Viewcrest Rd and the end of 16th street. There is minimal parking offered, but available, nonetheless. These access points get a lot of use from the people in the neighborhood. Here’s a group of youngsters entering the woods on a run with a parent.

During any season, there’s a great reason to venture inside the park. In the winter, with all the moisture in the air, there are interesting bits of fungus and moss to admire as you explore the deeper reaches of the park. The opportunities to witness wildlife are boundless. This small section of protected open space is a hidden gem in Bellingham’s list of parks.

If you want easy access to tour the Trees of Fairhaven Park (PDF) print out the flyer and take a tour. The choice is yours on how best to experience the park and adjacent forest. After disappearing into the labyrinth of the forest, you can emerge to the comfort of Fairhaven close by with its numerous shops and restaurants to round out a great day.