In Bellingham and Whatcom County there is so much to choose from for active outdoor recreation activities and amenities. Such abundance that it drives $705 million of outdoor recreation consumer spending annually. Local outdoor-related businesses and organizations include Bike Shops, Running Stores, Recreation Outfitters, Outdoor Media, Activity Clubs, Stewardship Organizations, Health Professionals, local recreation events and races and other related services. The challenge is finding the time to visit all these places- until now.

You can find them all in one place at the Recreation Northwest EXPO on Friday, February 26, 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. in Bellingham.

Yes, you can attend the FREE Recreation Northwest EXPO at the Depot Market Square (across the street from Boundary Bay Brewery). The event will feature 65 exhibitors from around the region and provide you with an opportunity to talk with them face to face (with a beer/wine in hand) about what they have to offer and how you can integrate their services into your plans for a healthy year ahead. Check out the list of 2016 EXPO Exhibitors for a taste of what you’ll find.

Along with your free admission to this exciting event you can also win great DOOR PRIZES. Prizes for event entries including Bellingham Traverse, Tour de Whatcom, Ragnar Trail Cascades, the Bellingham Bay Marathon and more. And more prizes from Nuu-Muu, Outdoors NW Magazine & American Alpine Institute,  Bellingham REI, Village Books, Yeager’s Sporting Goods, Square One Maps and others as well.

See the full list and sign up.

Check out the fun Recreation Northwest EXPO Video.

Outdoor Recreation SUMMIT

In support of the statewide initiative, Recreation Northwest is adding a new element to the popular EXPO this year. The Outdoor Recreation Summit –Growing Washington’s Recreation Economy will bring recreationists together to help propel our local and regional economies forward- demonstrating the impact our industries have.

EXCURSIONS

Recreation Northwest also has more fun lined up on Saturday, February 27 with outdoor EXCURSIONS. These are open to the public as well. Trail Run, Mountain Bike, Paddle and Hiking opportunities.

Trail Running

Try a sample of the Chuckanut 50K with Revolution Running and Aspire Adventure Running. They are teaming up to host a multi-pace & multi-distance group run on the middle 30k of the Chuckanut 50k course.

Bellingham 5K Winter Trail Run Series –

Just north of town, the Bellingham BMX Cyclocross course is being put to use for running! The Bellingham 5K Winter Trail Run Series is two laps around the course that offers grass, mud, sand, a bridge and stairs for your running pleasure.

Mountain Biking

Join the Whatcom Mountain Bike Coalition for a 2-3 hour guided tour of the renowned Galbraith Mountain Trail network.   Galbraith was again named the #1 mountain bike trail network in Washington by Singletracks.com.  Depending on the number of attendees, we will break into groups by both ability and fitness levels.

Please RSVP to the WMBC at  wmbcmtb@gmail.com

Meet Time:  10:00 a.m.

Location:  Samish Way parking lot near Galbraith Lane

What to bring:  Weather appropriate clothing and gloves, bike, bike helmet, a pack with snacks and water, etc.

Paddling

Take a test ride in a variety of boats at Lake Padden with Yeager’s Sporting Goods.

11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at the swim beach at Lake Padden Park’s West Entrance. (see below for WTA bus options)

Yeager’s Sporting Goods is a locally owned outdoor store, serving Whatcom county since 1921.  Yeager’s Paddlesports Department offers a wide variety of human-powered watercraft and paddling accessories.  We carry premium brands such as Hobie, Eddyline, NuCanoe, Werner, and Kokatat, with a focus on Sea Kayak Touring and Kayak Fishing.  During the summer we offer daily rentals as well as regular on water demos.

Hiking

Enjoy our local trails and get to the trailhead by bus.

Join Polly Favinger, of Greater Bellingham Running Club and Fairhaven Runners & Walkers for an exploration of the upper trails around Lake Padden. Always wondered what trails exist beyond Lake Padden’s main loop trail? Join Polly for a fun exploration of these nearby hike options.

Meet at 10 a.m. at the Fairhaven Runners & GBRC banners at the swim beach at Lake Padden Park’s West Entrance. Plan for about an hour and a half hike and be prepared for mud.

See you OUT There!