See for yourself why people come from all over the world to mountain bike in Bellingham, Washington!
The most popular mountain biking spot in Bellingham, Galbraith Mountain - aka "Galby" - is located within riding distance of downtown. According to the Whatcom Mountain Bike Coalition (WMBC), Galbraith Mountain offers over 50 miles of singletrack that winds through over 3,000 acres overlooking the city and Bellingham Bay. WMBC is the local steward that builds and maintains the trails of Galbraith Mountain.
Though currently owned by a private landowner, the Galbraith Easement ensures that recreational access is guaranteed forever. There is a great deal of costs involved in keeping the mountain open including insurance and trail maintenance so we ask that if you love riding Galbraith trails to please donate to the WMBC or join a volunteer trail day to support the upkeep and management of the trails on the mountain.
North Entrance
The best way to access the north entrance is to park at Whatcom Falls Park and then bike the short distance to Birch Street off Lakeway Drive. There's a parking lot and on-street parking, but starting from Whatcom Falls Park will reduce stress and overcrowding. From the Birch Street entrance you can access the Miranda trail, which will get you onto the mountain and to other trails.
Suggested Routes (from Whatcom Mountain Biking Coalition)
South Entrance
You can access Galbraith Mountain bike trails from the south entrance off of Samish Way, from a parking lot across the street from Galbraith Lane Road. The estimated address is 5090 S. Samish Way. In 2022 the lot was expanded to hold 180+ parking stalls, horse trailer parking, and bathrooms.
You can also park at the Lake Padden parking area near the dog park. Access the trail by riding up to Galbraith Lane, then onto the Pipeline Road and through the yellow gate. From here you can access the Last Call, New Issues, and Lost Giants trails.
Sugested Routes (from Whatcom Mountain Biking Coalition):
Maps & Apps
You can purchase the Bellingham Parks map at Village Books, Yeager's, Bay to Baker Trading Co., Community Food Coop, Kona Bike Shop, Fanatik, LFS, Fairhaven Runners and BBay Running.
Download the Trailforks App to see a map of trails and navigate the area!
Despite having plenty to offer expert and professional riders, Galbraith also has family friendly trails! Just be sure to check out routes ahead of time to get a lay of the land and make sure your kids will be comfortable.
"For getting kids biking on Galbraith, my go-to route is the Pipeline Road for about a half mile and you can either turn left on Bunny Trails or right on Br'er Rabbit," said WMBC Trail Director Eric Brown. "Bunny Trails will take you into several loops including Kaya, Ursa Major and Little Dipper. The end of this route is on New Issues, where you take a right on the road back to the car."
Br’er Rabbit will give you a three-loop combination that can be done with Cowbell, Mole Trap, and Lost Giants. If your kids are older or more experienced riders, a good variation on that loop is to turn onto Lone Wolf. Go across the bridge and take the slight uphill until you hit the road. From there, go right on the road and then you’ll take a right and descend down Dogpatch to Last Call and then back to the car.
Dig Deep Tours offers mountain bike tours and rentals. Tours include 2-hour, half-day, and full-day options, as well as multi-day tours and corporate team-building retreats. Rentals include trailhead deliveries (right at Galbraith!) and shop pickup.
March Northwest helps beginner, intermediate, expert, and professional riders boost their skills, build confidence, and progress their riding.
Shifting Gears organizes weekly group rides for women aged 18+. Learn new skills, familiarize yourself with trails, make friends, and have fun. All women are welcome, regardless of riding experience, body size, or biking anxiety.
