If you’re looking for outdoor fun, consider heading to Bellingham, Washington. With a scenic setting between the foothills of the Cascade Mountains and the Salish Sea, the small city near the Canadian border is a year-round hub for outdoor adventures. Here are some of the top outdoor activities you’ll find in Bellingham.
Spring, Summer, & Fall in Bellingham, WA
Hiking in Bellingham, WA
You’ll be spoiled for hiking options in Bellingham, as the city contains several excellent trails in a variety of picturesque locations. If you’re not sure where to begin, get oriented with a hike through the arboretum at Western Washington University. A network of footpaths leads to a lookout tower on top of a hill, affording panoramic views of the city, the surrounding foothills, Bellingham Bay and the distant Canadian Gulf Islands. Or, opt for a more gentle stroll along the 2-mile South Bay Trail that connects Boulevard Park, on the south side of Bellingham, with the downtown area. In Larrabee State Park and the surrounding Chuckanut Mountains, just south of the Bellingham city limits, you can explore trails leading to secluded beaches or to scenic mountaintop vistas.
Mountain Biking in Bellingham, WA
Bellingham is a very bike-friendly locale, and the city’s well-maintained trails are open to both hikers and mountain bikers. The relatively flat trails that run along the bay or by the shores Bellingham’s lakes provide mellow cycling opportunities along with beautiful waterfront scenery. For more adventure, peddle down the Interurban Trail, which begins in Fairhaven, on the south side of Bellingham, and continues for about seven miles to Larrabee State Park. This forested trail features bay and island views. To really work up a sweat, head to Galbraith Mountain, just to the southeast of Bellingham. Its 50 miles of trails boast adrenaline-boosting jumps and enough elevation gain to satisfy even the most hardcore bikers.
Kayaking and Canoeing in Bellingham, WA
Your most difficult choice when it comes to canoeing or kayaking in Bellingham might be “lake or sea” because Bellingham has so many good bodies of water to paddle in. If you opt for lake rowing, you can get an easy start in small Lake Padden, and then work your way up to deep, fjord-like Lake Whatcom. At nine miles long, and with a shoreline indented with small beaches and quiet coves, this lake offers so much. For sea kayaking or canoeing, launch your vessel from one of Bellingham’s waterfront parks, such as Boulevard or Marine Park in Fairhaven, and take in city views. Or, set off from the more distant shores of Larrabee State Park to get away from it all.
Sailing in Bellingham, WA
Bellingham Bay is the gateway to the Salish Sea. Spend a day or a weekend sailing out to one of the nearby San Juan Islands, perhaps spotting orca whales or other marine mammals along the way. Or, take a leisurely spin around the bay, enjoying dinner and a long summer sunset on the water. Visitor moorage is available at Squalicum Harbor, near downtown Bellingham. There are also visitor buoys in the harbor at Fairhaven. If you don’t have your own sailboat, there are charter options available.
Swimming in Bellingham, WA
Bellingham’s long rainy season, as well as the chilly temperature of its lakes and the nearby bay, might lead you to believe that the city isn’t ideal for swimming. But ideal is a relative word, and the fact is that when the weather warms up, Bellingham residents of all ages turn out in droves to go for a swim. Popular lake swimming locations in or near Bellingham include Bloedel Donovan Park, Lake Padden Park, and Samish Lake Park. If you want to dip into the bracing coastal waters, the beaches at Larrabee State Park or Boulevard Park are your best bet. The Arne Hanna Aquatic Center has four indoor public swimming pools, one of which features a water slide. There is an admission fee for the Aquatic Center.
Winter Sports in Bellingham, WA
As a coastal city, Bellingham experiences the moderating effects of a marine climate, resulting in very little winter snowfall at sea level. So, it might be surprising to learn that the Mount Baker ski area, just an hour and a half from the city center, receives abundant annual snowfall, resulting in superlative conditions for skiing and snowboarding. The ski area has 31 runs of various levels of difficulty, and the ski season usually lasts from late November through late April.
Salish Wealth Management is so happy to be part of this beautiful area. With ruggedly beautiful terrain ranging from the mountains to the sea, and excellent parks and trails that make it easy to access the outdoors, Bellingham is the perfect place to launch your next adventure. Summer is the best time for most outdoor sports in Bellingham, with dry weather and long days, although if you’re a skier or snowboarder, you’ll want to visit during the winter. No matter what time of the year you come to Bellingham, you’ll find plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun.
About Salish Wealth Management
We founded Salish Wealth Management to form a close-knit practice of loyal clients, supplying comprehensive financial services with a personalized, one-on-one approach. Combining
disciplined investment strategies with a high-touch, customized approach, we build financial
plans that help our clients pursue their goals.
We specialize in serving individuals and families, many of whom are in retirement. They’ve
accumulated their wealth by long-term savings habits and strong investment strategies and
seek a full-service firm and financial advisor who can supply them objective advice and keep a
watchful eye over their assets so they can focus on their passions in life.
We believe clients choose us because we fulfill this need. Many of our clients tell us they know
we make decisions with their needs in mind. We prioritize honest and open communication and
supply them the resources they need to plan for and address every aspect of their financial life.
Salish Wealth Management
2122 Barkley Blvd Suite 200
Bellingham, WA 98226
360-594-5365
Serving Whatcom County, San Juan County, & Skagit County
Disclosure
Securities offered through Moloney Securities Co., Inc., Registered Broker/Dealer, Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment Advisory Services offered through Moloney Securities Asset Management, LLC, Registered Investment Adviser. Moloney Securities Co., Inc. and Moloney Securities Asset Management, LLC are not under common control or ownership with Salish Wealth Management.