Fresh air and wide open spaces are plentiful in Bellingham and Whatcom County, which extends from the shores of the Salish Sea to the rugged mountains of North Cascades National Park. Enjoy hiking, biking, running, sailing, paddling, fishing, whale watching, snow sports, scenic drives, agricultural adventures and even outdoor dining.
While enjoying the outdoors, it is important to remember to Recreate Responsibly for our personal health, and the health of others. It is also important to remember which phase of Washington State’s Safe Start reopening plan your community is located in. Bellingham and Whatcom County are currently in Phase 2. Covid-19 guidelines are updated daily on our Travel Advisory page.
Agricultural
With 140 miles of marine shoreline and 100,000 acres of highly productive farmland, Bellingham and Whatcom County, Washington are a fresh food haven stretching deliciously between the Salish Sea and snow-capped Mount Baker, near the U.S. – Canada border.
Bicycling
Biking is one of the most popular activities in the Bellingham area on trails, tracks and city streets. Whatcom County also offers endless country roads and miles of trails to explore.
Bird Watching
Whatcom County, in the northwest corner of Washington State, is home to six key locations on the Audubon Society’s Great Washington State Birding Trail, Cascade Loop. Patient bird-watchers, looking to fill in their checklists, find a rich variety of viewing sites to spot hundreds of species, especially waterfowl and birds of prey.
Fishing
With more than ten different lakes, Bellingham Bay and the Nooksack River to choose from, Bellingham is a fisherman’s paradise. Schedule your visit by time of year to find your dream catch or check out our list of fishing locations to see what’s open and active.
Golfing
Whatcom County has plenty of courses to choose from – twelve (10 public/2 private including one that just reopened in Point Roberts).
Hiking
Year-round hiking is plentiful in the Bellingham region, with easy proximity to hundreds of miles of trails in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest and the Chuckanut Mountains, as well as miles of opportunities within Whatcom County, including North Cascades National Park.
Running
Every mile counts when you’re running. Check out our running page to make sure you have everything you need.
Scenic Drives
From sunsets on saltwater to classic fall foliage, Bellingham is home to two iconic highway routes, both of which are officially designated as scenic drives.
Snow Sports
Snowboarders and skiers enjoy a variety of terrain, day lodges, ski lessons and rentals. Mt. Baker Ski Area has the longest season in the state and often the most snow in North America.
Water Adventures
With more than 100 miles of beautiful Salish Sea shoreline, Whatcom County is home to Chuckanut Bay, Bellingham Bay, Lummi Island, Lummi Bay, Cherry Point, Birch Bay, Drayton Harbor and Point Roberts.