Need to get out this holiday, with or without family? Try these five Whatcom hikes
Whether you need a walk after feasting or just want to get out — with or without family — Whatcom County has plenty of trails for you to enjoy during the holidays.
Here’s a sampling of a few of our favorite outings.
They might not take you over the mountains, but they’ll definitely take you through the woods and along the water.
Chanterelle Trail (near Bellingham)
Difficulty: Moderate, with an elevation gain of 2,200 feet over 5 miles in Lake Whatcom Park.
Round trip: 10 miles.
Users: Hikers and mountain bikers, although who can be on which trail varies.
Why you’ll like it: The trail takes you on a long and steady climb through a lush forest. A stunning wide-open view of Lake Whatcom below will make you glad you made the effort.
Family friendly: Yes.
Getting there: Follow North Shore Drive around the north end of Lake Whatcom past Agate Bay and across the bridge at Smith Creek. The route will turn into Northshore Road. Turn left (if coming from Bellingham) at the Lake Whatcom Park sign. Follow the road and then park at the well-marked trailhead at the end of the road in the main parking area.
Parking is free.
Details: co.whatcom.wa.us/2098/Lake-Whatcom-Park, including a map.
Semiahmoo Spit (near Blaine)
Difficulty: Flat and easy, with wheelchair accessibility on a 0.8-mile paved trail. Or amble along the beach on either side of the spit.
Round trip: 0.8 to 1.6 miles.
Users: Walkers, runners, bicyclists.
Why you’ll like it: Semiahmoo Spit is a narrow length of land that offers lovely views on both sides.
On one side is pretty Drayton Harbor and snow-covered Mount Baker.
The other side boasts views of Semiahmoo Bay, White Rock, B.C. , and the Canadian Coast Mountains.
The spit also is a renowned birding area, especially during winter, so bring your binoculars.
Family friendly: Yes.
Getting there: Take Interstate 5 north from Bellingham to exit 274 for Peace Portal Drive, toward Semiahmoo. Turn right onto Peace Portal and continue until you take a sharp left onto State Route 548 South/Bell Road. Follow as it turns into Blaine Road. At Drayton Road, take a right. Follow to Semiahmoo Parkway, turn right. Stay on the road until you reach this county park, which will be on your left. Park in the lot set aside for Semiahmoo Park.
Parking is free.
Details: whatcomcounty.us/2064/Semiahmoo-Park.
Lookout Forest Mountain Preserve (Sudden Valley)
Difficulty: Moderate with some uphill sections that will have you huffing. If you take children on a hike here, expect to coax them a little to keep them going.
Round trip: The network has smaller and larger loops, so it’s up to you how many miles you want to go and how hard you want to work.
Users: Hikers, runners and bicyclists, although who can be on which trail varies.
Why you’ll like it: The views through the woods are pretty, including the upper part of the Rufus Creek Trail, which takes you through older evergreen forests and features the sandstone cliffs that are common to Lookout Mountain.
You can make your way to the Lake Whatcom Overlook for a view of snow-capped Mount Baker in the distance.
If waterfalls are your thing, check out the one you’ll see on the Waterfall Trail, which is 0.8 mile from the Lookout Mountain Trailhead.
Family friendly: Yes.
Details: whatcomcounty.us/2186/Lookout-Mountain-Forest-Preserve, including a map.
Big Rock Garden (Bellingham)
Difficulty: Easy.
Round trip: It depends on how much you want to meander while admiring the art in what is essentially a sculpture park.
Users: Walkers.
Why you’ll like it: If you love art and you love being in nature, this is the place for you.
Plus, this 2.5-acre park feels peaceful, even a little secluded, though it’s off busy Alabama Street. It’s most vibrant in summer and fall, but a winter walk has its benefits, according to the city of Bellingham website.
“Seasonal change in the garden inspires a new experience with each visit. Rhododendrons and azaleas announce spring with brilliant color, over 100 varieties of maples signal the arrival of fall, and the conifers’ restful winter hues complete the year,” the city’s website states.
As for the art, there are 39 pieces by area and international artists. They are part of the city of Bellingham’s public art collection.
Family friendly: Yes.
Getting there: Big Rock Garden is at 2900 Sylvan St. If you’re driving, the best route is off Alabama Street.
Parking is free but the parking lot is small.
Details: Pets aren’t allowed. cob.org/services/recreation/parks-trails/Pages/big-rock.aspx
Deming Homestead Eagle Park
Difficulty: Easy.
Round trip: 1.4 miles.
Users: Hikers.
Why you’ll like it: This outing isn’t about walking so much as viewing.
There are forests and fields for you to enjoy. But the stars are the bald eagles that gather here to chow down on spawned salmon in the north fork of the Nooksack River from December through March.
Family friendly: Yes.
Getting there: The park is at 5615 Truck Road, off the Mount Baker Highway, a little over 15 miles from Bellingham.
From Bellingham, go east on Sunset Drive, which turns into the Mount Baker Highway. Stay on the highway until you see Truck Road, turn right.
Details: co.whatcom.wa.us/2065/Deming-Homestead-Eagle-Park.
This story was originally published December 25, 2019 at 5:00 AM.
