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Home / Insider Blogs / Western Washington University Students’ Guide to Bellingham

Western Washington University Students’ Guide to Bellingham

By Lorin Lindell / January 5, 2021

It’s hard to beat a Whatcom County winter. We’re known for our incredible outdoor recreation, including the scenic Mount Baker Highway where you can experience all your favorite snow sports. From the top 10 walking trails to snowshoeing on and exploring winter trails we have it.


  • Western Washington Unveristy Winter
  • Western Washington University Winter

Virtually Explore Bellingham 

You don’t have to physically be in Bellingham or Whatcom to experience our community! Virtually explore the rich and diverse history of Whatcom County with the Good Time Girls and Lummi Nation.

Explore with the Bellingham Good Time Girls

The Good Time Girls have teamed up with The City of Subdued Podcast to bring you the inside scoop on Bellingham’s History! Listen to Bad Town for the spookiest and scariest stories in Bellinghistory. 

Listen to the Young and Indigenous Podcast 

Produced by The Children of the Setting Sun Productions, the Young and Indigenous Podcast features the voice of four Lummi Nation’s youth. In a venture to keep the origins of Lummis’ oral tradition alive, hear first-hand accounts of what it is like to be a tribal member from the Pacific Northwest in Bellingham, Washington.


Must-see Spots

Taylor Dock

Explore Historic Fairhaven and Downtown Bellingham by way of Boulevard Park and Taylor Dock, one of Bellingham’s most popular trails. Taylor Dock is part of the South Bay Trail making it the perfect walk to visit Fairhaven before heading to Downtown Bellingham. Taylor is one of the most popular trails and the best way to explore Bellingham Bay and the waterfront. 


Boulevard Park Taylor Dock Bellingham Washington Whatcom County (2)

Whatcom Falls

Known for its namesake waterfall, there is something for everyone at Whatcom Falls Park. The park features 241 acres, and you’ll find everything from miles of serene, forested trails to a 100-year-old railroad trestle standing silently over Whatcom Creek.


  • Scott Raetz Whatcom Falls
  • Chris Reardon Whatcom Falls (2) Bellingham Wa

Muralist Gretchen Leggitt

From small designs like Kombucha Town mural to the largest in Washington State, located on the Puget Sound Energy building, Gretchen Leggitt is leaving her mark on Bellingham and Washington. Leggitt’s murals can also be found at Kona Bike Shop, Horseshoe Cafe and Ciao Thyme.Gret

Insider Tip: For anyone interested in exploring more of the outdoor art, check out our blog, “Stroll through the outdoor art of Whatcom County.”


  • Horseshoe Cafe Gretchen Leggit Mural Downtown Bellingham
  • Gretchen Leggitt Mural Lorin Lindell
  • Grethcne Leggit Mural Lorin Lindell

Where to get take-out in Bellingham & Whatcom County

If there’s a whisk, there’s a way! We have put together a list of restaurants and breweries offering to-go and curbside pickup to help bring our local flavors right to you. Whatcom County is home to incredible local restaurants and no matter what you’re in the mood for, there is a local restaurant ready to serve.


Thousand Acre Cider House 9

📸 : Kristina Gray


Winter Hikes in Whatcom

There’s nothing like the winter drive up the Mount Baker Highway. It’s full of breathtaking views and hikes like Mount Shuksan and Picture Lake, which are considered two of the most photogenic spots in Whatcom County.


  • Yellow Aster Butte2 1
  • Natalie Rocker Mount Baker Highway Adventures
  • Mt Baker Opening Day David Jolly 21

If you want the inside scoop on snowshoeing, check out the Nooksack Nordic Ski Club. The Club was founded over 20 years ago to help build the groomed trails for snowshoeing.


  • Snowshoeing Mt Baker National Forest
  • Nooksack Nordic Bellingham 05943 Copy
  • Nooksack Nordic Blog Header Image
  • Artist Point Snowshoe Bfralic (6)

Or if you just want to get some fresh air, there are many winter hikes and walking trails to explore. There are so many in fact, it’s not hard to make it a crowd-free experience. 

Insider Tip: Visit our hiking page for more information on getting outside!


David Veatch Comet Neowise Taylor Dock Bellingham Washington Whatcom County

Get the inside scoop on Bellingham & Whatcom County

  • Explore Scenic Bellingham and Whatcom County Like a Local
  • The Best Coffee Shops in Bellingham
  • My Ideal Day in Historic Fairhaven – 10 Must Do’s
  • Restaurants Currently Open with Outdoor Seating in Bellingham and Whatcom County
  • Stroll Through the Outdoor Art of Whatcom County
  • Visitor Safety Guidelines for Bellingham and Whatcom County

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Filed Under: Insider Blogs Tagged With: Bellingham Good Time Girls, Downtown Bellingham, Gretchen Leggitt, Hikes in Bellingham, Hikes in Whatcom County, Nooksack Nordic Ski Club, Student Activities at Western Washington University, Taylor Dock, Virtually Explore Bellingham, Western Washington University, Whatcom Falls Park, Winter Hikes in Whatcom, Young and Indigenous Podcast

About Lorin Lindell

Lorin Lindell is the Marketing & Social Media Coordinator for Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism. She graduated from Western Washington University in the Winter of 2019 with a degree in Communication and Public Relations. She enjoys exploring new horizons and sharing the stories she finds along the way. In her free time Lorin can be found outside exploring Whatcom County and the beautiful Pacific Northwest.

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Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism
Visitor Center Located at I-5 Exit 253
904 Potter Street, Bellingham, WA 98229

Hours: Due to COVID-19, the Visitor Center is open limited hours: Friday, Saturday & Sunday 10am-3pm. Masks required.

Phone: 360-671-3990
Email: tourism@bellingham.org

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