Four Whatcom County hikes great for rainy days
Rain is nothing new in Whatcom County, so The Bellingham Herald offers this list of four well-covered trails that only require a raincoat and some enthusiasm.
Railroad Trail
The Railroad Trail, also known as the Interurban Trail, follows the track of the Interurban Railway that saw its last electric train in 1928. Since then, this easy 5.9-mile trail is covered with trees to help avoid the rain. The trail is also open for bikes and horses. It’s located off of the North Chuckanut Mountain Trailhead at 1467 Chuckanut Drive. Once at the North Chuckanut Mountain Trailhead take the Hemlock Trail up 0.2 miles to the Interurban Trail. The trail is open daily from 8 a.m. to dusk and offers beach access spurs as well as views of mountains and lakes.
Jensen Family Forest Park
Jensen Family Forest Park features a 0.7-mile loop trail in a forest of Douglas fir trees, perfect for hiding from the rainy weather. This park used to be part of a farm and now is open year-round with the trail, 21.5 acres of land and picnic tables. The park is open daily from 8 a.m. to dusk and is located in Custer at 8051 Stein Road.
Stimpson Family Nature Reserve
Stimpson Family Nature Reserve has 4 miles of trails throughout a forest of Douglas fir trees, some over 400 years old. No dogs are allowed; the forest is home to deer, beavers, cougars and smaller mammals. The nature reserve features two ponds and wetlands through the two main trails. The trails are only for hiking and are moderately difficult as the main loop has a 300-foot incline. The nature preserve is located in Bellingham at 2076 Lake Louise Road and is open daily from 8 a.m. to dusk.
Whatcom Falls Park
Whatcom Falls Park is known for its beautiful waterfalls and stone bridge, but is densely forested, making it a great location for a rainy day hike. The park has over 5 miles of trails for hikers and bikers, as well as whirlpool falls, an abandoned railroad trestle, picnic shelters, playgrounds, a fish hatchery and pond. The park has 241 acres to explore, and is located in Bellingham at 1401 Electric Ave. The park is open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
