By Scott Hume
From endless hiking trails to fun family entertainment, it seems as though there’s always something to do in the Pacific Northwest. Whether you just moved to the area or are looking for something new, here are 5 of my favorite things to do in Bellingham, Washington.
1. Walk Along The Boardwalk At Boulevard Park
Boulevard Park is a stunning waterfront park near Fairhaven and South Hill. Boasting the best unobstructed water views in Bellingham, it’s the perfect place to have a picnic, watch a sunset, or go for a walk along the boardwalk (my personal favorite).
Depending on the time of year, you can spot seals and otters in the water. During low tide, children play in the sand under the boardwalk and people set up hammocks. There’s even a coffee shop, Woods Coffee, located in the park if you need a little caffeine boost before you walk down the boardwalk. With so much to do, it’s easy to see why this is one of the most popular spots in Bellingham.
2. Attend The Northwest Washington Fair
Travel just 25 minutes north and you’ll run into Lynden, Washington, home of the Northwest Washington Fair. The fair comes to town every August and it’s somewhere my wife and I always look forward to taking our kids. Jam-packed with gut-busting fair food, thrilling carnival rides, and awesome Grandstand entertainers (we love it all!), the fair is six days of fun that’s sure to please everyone.
3. Hike To The Top Of Oyster Dome
The beauty of the Pacific Northwest stretches far and wide. One of our favorite hikes is to the top of Oyster Dome, where you’re rewarded with a sky-high view of pristine ocean water and rugged mountain ranges (seriously, just Google a picture of it for a glimpse).
The usual hike is about 8 miles and starts about 12 miles south of State Route 11 (you just park your car on the side of the road). If you want a shorter hike (about 5 miles), you can park at the Samish Overlook on Blanchard Mountain and follow the trail to Oyster Dome. Either way, the views are well worth the trek. Even better, pack a lunch and enjoy it once you’ve reached the top.
4. Take The Family Roller Skating At Lynden Skateway
My wife and I love taking our kids roller skating at Lynden Skateway. Lynden Skateway, in business for over 40 years, has that classic skating rink atmosphere straight from the 1980s. They play everything from 60s music to today’s hits, so it’s enjoyable for all ages. In a time where most people would rather be at home in front of the TV, it’s a great way to sneak in some cardio and a whole lot of laughs.
5. Hunt For Agates On The Beach At Point Whitehorn
My family and I love hunting for agates (semi-precious stones that come in different shapes, colors, and banding) on the beach at Point Whitehorn. There’s something very Indiana Jones about sitting down on the beach and digging through gravel beds to find these hidden little gems. Luckily, the Pacific Northwest is full of agates just waiting to be found.
Let Us Help You Do Your Favorite Things
There’s so much to see and do in Bellingham, Washington, but it’s hard to get out and explore if you’re constantly worried about managing your wealth. At Salish Wealth Management, we’re dedicated to helping you work towards securing your financial future so you can keep on doing all your favorite things. To learn more about how we can help you manage and grow your wealth, reach out to me today at (360) 671-5900 or email admin@salishwm.com for a free 30-minute portfolio review.
About Scott CFP®
Scott Hume is the founder of Salish Wealth Management and a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ with more than two decades of experience. Prior to forming his firm, he managed two local financial firms. Today, he works with affluent individuals, families, and local businesses to help them plan and execute their financial goals, providing comprehensive financial planning and cross-border investment management. In his free time, Scott likes to spend time with his wife, Darlene, and children, Claire, Curtis, and Corbin, on their hobby farm raising lambs, chickens, and pigs or visiting his grown daughter, Chelsey, in Eastern Washington. He is an active member of The Rotary Club of Bellingham, Bellingham Chamber of Commerce, and The Estate Planning Council. In addition, he is very involved in the local aviation community and is an active member with Cornwall Church, volunteering his time to financial counseling and serving on mission trips in South America. Learn more about Scott by connecting with him on LinkedIn.