You’ll find it’s easy to embrace Bellingham’s natural beauty as you explore Whatcom County's trailheads, boat launches and paths. Sometimes you need to connect with Mother Nature and get an adrenaline rush at the same time.
You’ll find it’s easy to embrace Bellingham’s natural beauty and get to and from its trailheads, boat launches and paths. Be sure to check out our hotel page to find the perfect home base for your adventures!
Ranked the best place to mountain bike in Washington State by SingleTracks Magazine in 2019, Galbraith Mountain, always known as Chuckanut Mountains, in Bellingham features 65 miles of the best bike trails in the Pacific Northwest.
Galbraith is known as the “mountain bike Mecca” of Northwest Washington for its accessibility to any kind of rider. Cross country, downhill, advanced or beginner riders can all find aspects of the mountain to enjoy. Bring your own bike or rent one by the hour or day from one of several local bike shops, like Jack's Bicycle Center.
According to Outside Magazine and Outdoor Northwest, Bellingham is one of the “Best Places to Paddle.” Bellingham offers more than 100 miles of shoreline for kayakers, canoeists and paddle boarders to access and explore.
Take a guided sunset kayak on Chuckanut Bay out of Larrabee State Park, or jump in your canoe and explore local lakes like Lake Padden, Lake Whatcom or Lake Samish. You can also head to the waterfront and dip your paddleboard in at Boulevard Park or the new Waypoint Park and explore Bellingham Bay.
Insider Tip: The Community Boating Center, located in Historic Fairhaven has everything you need to spend a day on Bellingham Bay, including kayak and paddleboard rentals.
Take a the scenic Mt. Baker Highway on State Route 542 for a full-day adventure through the hundreds of miles of lush National forest and trails!
For current trail and weather conditions, stop at the National Forest Ranger Station in Glacier. Expect an hour to hour and half trip via car. For a closer-to-Bellingham hike, try the Chuckanut Mountains. Trails are less steep out there but still offer gorgeous views of Bellingham Bay.
We all know coffee is key in the Pacific Northwest, and Bellingham is no different. Local coffee lovers enjoy the diversity of local roasteries and coffee shops including Avellino Coffeehouse, Camber, Woods Coffee, and nationally recognized roasters Tony Coffee's who won “2021 Macro Roaster of the Year" according to Roast Magazine.
Inside Tip: Check out our blog "The Best Coffee Shops in Bellingham" for more!
Bellingham and Whatcom County are now home to more than 15 craft breweries, many of which are national and international award winners like Chuckanut Brewery & Kitchen, who is loved for their traditional German-style beers.
Boundary Bay Brewery & Bistro is the oldest, and the most quintessential Bellingham stop for a locally-crafted American-style beer. Additional favorites include Kulshan Brewing, Aslan Brewing, Stone's Throw Brewing, Atwood Ales, Northfork Brewery and Twin Sisters Brewing.
Insider Tip: Get the inside scoop on Whatcom County's breweries with our blog "Rounding Up Bellingham’s Craft Beer Scene – 17 Must-See Breweries."
Love sharing your outdoor adventures and want to take it to the next level? Download TREAD Map to share trail conditions, notable usage experiences, photos, and more!
Scan the QR code in the photo to download!
