The road to Artist Point (the final section of SR 542) and Highway 20 (starting at Ross Dam Trailhead) are both closed for the season.

Whatcom County Hikes

Whatcom County maintains a variety of trails, both in and around Bellingham, Washington! Discover these incredible hikes and soak up views of lakes, forests, beaches, marshes, and more. Learn more about trails and parks in Whatcom County here. For more hikes in and around Bellingham, go to our main hiking page

A level scenic lakeside trail snuggled tightly between Stewart Mountain and Lake Whatcom. Drive around the north end of the lake and almost to the end of North Shore Road to get to the parking lot and trailhead.

Stroll through a dense forest and past a large beaver pond. Cougars have been sighted in the area, so pay attention. Water crossings have wooden bridges. Take Lakeway Drive east from the freeway. Stay right on all the forks in the road until you see the sign for Lake Louise. Turn right on Austin Road (turns into Lake Louise Road) and follow it 1.6 miles to a small signed parking area on the left.  

A 1.5 mile trail and boardwalk meanders through a wetland marsh at Tennant Lake. Climb a viewing tower, too! A .5 mile trail connects the lake with Hovander’s “big red barn.” There are also two miles of trail running along the river dike of the Nooksack River. Take I-5 exit 262 and head west toward Ferndale on Main Street. At the railroad underpass, turn south onto Homestead Road and follow the signs.

Easy paved trail with scenic water views next to Semiahmoo Resort. Great for a family bike ride with young children or for bird watching. Venture to the other side of the spit for a beach walk. Take I-5 exit 270 and follow the signs to Semiahmoo Resort (about 9 miles).

Features 54 acres of forest, bluff and beach, with a .75 mile fully accessible trail to spectacular viewpoints of the Strait of Georgia and San Juan Islands. A switchback path descends from the bluff to access a windswept cobble beach. Take I-5 Exit 266 Grandview Road and drive west 8.5 miles then curve left on Koehn Road.

Easy walk and great trail featuring views of more than 30 species of birds. Beach and mud flats adjacent with free parking.

Find more hikes!
        We acknowledge that Whatcom County is located on the unceded territory of the Coast Salish Peoples. They cared for the lands that included what we’d call the Puget Sound region, Vancouver Island and British Columbia since time immemorial. This gives us the great obligation and opportunity to learn how to care for our surrounding areas and all the natural and human resources we require to live. We express our deepest respect and gratitude for our indigenous neighbors, the Lummi Nation and Nooksack Tribe, for their enduring care and protection of our shared lands and waterways.
Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism
Visitor Center Located at I-5 Exit 253 - Check Hours
904 Potter Street, Bellingham, WA 98229
Phone: 360-671-3990
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