Interurban: Flat trail good for running, cycling or just a peaceful stroll

E-Mail

Text Size:

tool goes here

Interurban Trail through Arroyo Park

This route gives you a little bit of everything � an easy amble over the mainly flat, wide Interurban followed by rises and dips through heavily wooded Arroyo Park. You'll hear muffled traffic for much of this walk, but the noise disappears soon after crossing Old Samish Road and entering Arroyo.

The trail is popular with runners, walkers and cyclists so you'll likely have company.

Once in Arroyo Park, stop at the wooden bridge over Chuckanut Creek and enjoy the lush, green surroundings as the creek burbles beneath your feet.

If you don't want to stop at Arroyo Park, look for a clearing and a sign pointing you to trails in the Chuckanuts.

Difficulty: Easy. This section of the Interurban is wheelchair accessible, until you reach Arroyo Park.

Elevation gain: About 170 feet

Round trip: 3.4 miles

Hiking time: 1 hour, 30 minutes

Users: Hikers, bicyclists, horses

Best times to hike: Year-round

Family friendly: Yes. The section of the Interurban before Arroyo Park is graveled, wide and well-marked.

Amenities: Bike rack at Interurban Trail Rotary Trailhead, as well as a small picnic table.

Maps: Bellingham Trail Guide. Find it online by going to cob.org/services, then clicking on "Trails" under the "Recreation" heading. Then scroll down to �Interurban & Arroyo.� Find printed versions at the Bellingham Parks Department office at 3424 Meridian St. (Cornwall Park).

Dogs: Dogs must be on a leash.

Getting there: From the parking lot for the Interurban Trail Rotary Trailhead (Old Fairhaven Parkway near 20th Street), amble on the well-marked trail a short distance to Julia Avenue. The trail ends at a sidewalk; go left and look for green-yellow posts that will get you back on the graveled Interurban. You'll stay on the trail until you dip down and cross Old Samish Road to enter Arroyo Park. Once there, walk on dirt routes until you cross a pretty wooden bridge straddling Chuckanut Creek. Keep going a few more feet until you see a sign detailing how you can hook up to the trails in the Chuckanuts.

Stay on the Interurban and walk another 3.7 miles to get to Larrabee State Park. Veer left to hook up to Hemlock Trail or others in the Chuckanuts, including 4.1 miles to get to Lost Lake. Or turn around and go back the way you came.