Destination Deming: Chase a waterfall, forested brewery, coffee shop and scenic parks
Summer has reached Whatcom County, and we’re exploring local cities, islands and other destinations within a day’s travel from Bellingham.
In May, we explored Lynden and found a fairy tale forest, delicious pastries, sweet locally-owned shops and beautiful scenery.
Then, we explored Birch Bay’s beautiful beaches, oceanside restaurants and nautical charm.
In Ferndale, we discovered a great cheese farm and charcuterie cafe, a historic pioneer village that takes you back in time, and bakeries and shops on a quaint main street.
In Blaine, we explored an underground speakeasy, a fresh seafood restaurant, a talking moose and the Peace Arch.
Now, we’re taking you to Deming to discover a beautiful waterfall, brewery and pizza restaurant, hidden river access spots and a modern coffee shop hidden within the forested town.
Stop 1: Joe’s Fine Coffee
If you’re anything like me, a day trip adventure usually starts with coffee. As you drive through Deming toward the Maple Falls area, you’ll come across a small coffee shop surrounded by trees. Joe’s Fine Coffee opened in 2019 and offers a variety of drinks and food. The business roasts its own coffee beans, which are available for purchase.
The shop’s drink menu includes a honey pistachio latte, lavender chai, blueberry smoothie, white chocolate mocha, matcha green tea latte, Italian soda or tea. Guests can also enjoy breakfast burritos, sandwiches, bagels, scones, muffins, cookies and other treats.
The coffee shop has indoor and outdoor seating, restrooms and free WIFI available.
Joe’s Fine Coffee is open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday and 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at 7463 Mt Baker Hwy Suite A.
Stop 2: Racehorse Falls
If you’re looking for some natural beauty, Deming has more than its distant mountains, rolling river, green hills and forests. Racehorse Falls is a scenic waterfall hike in Deming that is a hidden gem. To get to the trail, you’ll have to drive along about a 4-mile stretch of gravel road and cross a wooden bridge. The unmarked trailhead often has cars around it and is easy to find with GPS.
The hike only takes about 15 minutes to reach the falls, but has some steep terrain that can be difficult for some hikers. Parking is available on N Fork St. near the trailhead.
Stop 3: North Fork Brewery
North Fork Brewery is a popular Deming restaurant serving housemade pizza, beer, pasta, salads, beer cheese, desserts and more.
The brewery brews a variety of beers, including its “Satan is Extra Boring” stout, “Electricberryland Double Whiskey Barrel Aged Sour,” IPAs, lagers, and a variety of wine barrel-aged beers.
For those who worked up an appetite hiking Racehorse Falls, try out a housemade pizza, beer cheese dip, salads, lasagna, grinder sandwiches and mac and cheese. The restaurant also offers happy hour discounts weekdays from noon to 5 p.m.
North Fork Brewery is open from noon to 9 p.m. daily at 6186 Mt. Baker Highway.
Stop 4: Deming Homestead Eagle Park
Deming Homestead Eagle Park is a perfect after-lunch stop, or a great park to pack a picnic to and enjoy. The park includes short, easy gravel walkways to explore, as well as picnic tables and some river access. Bald eagles can also be spotted here from December through March.
The park is open from 8 a.m. to dusk daily at 5615 Truck Rd.
Stop 5: Nugents Corner River Access
On your drive back on highway 542 to Bellingham, make one more stop in Everson to enjoy the Nooksack River. Nugents Corner River Access features a sandy shore to relax on, a boat launch, picnic tables, fishing spots and more.
Nugents Corner River Access is open from 8 a.m. to dusk daily at 3685 Mount Baker Highway. Follow the road and go under the bridge until you reach a large gravel parking lot.
This story was originally published July 30, 2024 at 12:45 PM.
