After a rainy winter and spring many of us need to ease the way back to being more active. Here are five fun trails that offer a relatively flat and easy outing to get you moving again and inspire you to get in shape to tackle some of Whatcom County’s more challenging trails. All of these trails are also good options for families with young children.

1. North Lake Whatcom Park/Hertz Trail

Length: 3.1 miles one-way, rated easy

Description: Trail follows old railroad grade along the shore of Lake Whatcom. Tranquil and scenic, can be muddy in spots. Wheelchair accessible.

Trailhead: At the end of North Shore Drive. Wheelchair parking and access is .25 miles toward lake from main parking area.

Information: 733-2900 or http://www.whatcomcounty.us/parks/trails/nlkwhatcom.jsp

2. Stimpson Family Nature Reserve Loop Trail

Length: Three-mile loop, rated easy

Description: Trail meanders through a forest setting and past two ponds. Look for signs of beaver activity.

Trailhead: From Lakeway Drive, take Lake Louise Road south to the parking area for the park. Only the first .1 mile of the trail is wheelchair accessible.

Information: 733-2900 or www.whatcomcounty.us/parks/trails/stimpson.jsp

3. Railroad Trail

Length: 3.2-miles one way from Memorial Park to Bloedel-Donovan Park, rated easy

Description: Abandoned railroad grade links Memorial Park to Whatcom Falls Park and Bloedel Donovan Park. Views of Bellingham Bay from the Alabama Street overpass. Wildlife and marsh birds may be observed in St. Clair Pond, Scudder's Pond and Lake Whatcom.

Trailhead: East access from the parking lot at Bloedel Donovan Park, west access at Memorial Park on King Street and mid-point access from Barkley Village near the gazebo.

Info: 778-7000 or www.cob.org/documents/parks/parks-trails/trail-guide/railroad.pdf

4. River Dike Trail/Hovander Homestead Park, Ferndale

Length: 2.2 miles one way, rated easy

Description: Meanders along the Nooksack River through a myriad of forests, wetlands and farmlands. Keep a lookout for eagles nesting and perching along the river.

Trailhead: Access from the northend boat launch, the main Hovander Homestead Park lawn, and the south end at Slater Road.

Information: 733-2900 or www.whatcomcounty.us/parks/trails/tennantlake.jsp

5. Squires Lake Park, south of Bellingham

Length: 2.2 miles total trails, rated easy to moderate

Description: From the parking lot, a .4-mile trail to the lake partially follows abandoned railroad grade and the Squires Lake loop (.9 miles) is easy and pleasant. For a moderate walk, continue on the ridge trail (.5 miles) or hike into the beaver pond ecosystem (.4 miles).

Trailhead: On Highway 99 between Interstate 5 and South Lake Samish and Alger exits.

Information: 733-2900 or www.whatcomcounty.us/parks/trails/squireslake_trail.jsp