You don’t have to be in the county to go for a trail ride. The following Bellingham parks all have trails available to riders and their horses. Bellingham Parks and Recreation Department advises that “riders are responsible for cleaning up waste deposits left on park property and they are required to have in their possession the equipment necessary to remove the fecal matter when accompanied by their horse on public property or public easement.”
Horses are only allowed on paved roads open to motor vehicles or on designated bridle trails in the following parks:
1. Arroyo Park
Where to ride: All trails. Ridinig is also allowed along the adjoining Interurban and Hemlock trails.
Location: North access at 10th Street and Donovan Avenue. South access with fee parking at Larrabee State Park.
2. Cornwall Park
Where to ride: Wooded area between ballfield and pedestrian trail.
Location: Enter from the south Meridian Street entrance or from Cornwall Avenue entrance, south of the park.
3. Lake Padden Park
Where to ride: Bridle trails on the wooded side of park above pedestrian trail.
Location: Horse trailer parking at the Wilkin Street trailhead, east of 40th Street.
4. Little Squalicum Park
Where to ride: Trail between Bellingham Technical College and Bellingham Bay.
Location: Limited parking area off Marine Drive.
5. Whatcom Falls Park
Where to ride: Trails across the bridge, north of Whatcom Creek.
Location: Enter from Silver Beach Road, off Lakeway Drive.
Contact:
Bellingham Parks and Recreation: 778-7000
www.cob.org, click on “Services” and then on “Trails” in the “Recreation” category.