Parks & Playgrounds in Whatcom County
Bellingham and Whatcom County are full of parks that provide access to beaches, walking paths, boardwalks, and forest trails on national, state, county, and local public lands. Please remember to Recreate Responsibly and follow all safety guidelines.
Looking for the best things to do in Bellingham, Washington? Visit a park!
There is also much to be seen in nearby communities like Ferndale, Blaine, Birch Bay, and Lynden.
National Parks
You do not need a National Parks pass or any other pass to recreate or park in North Cascades National Park, though you do need a permit for backcountry camping.
Part of the Cascade Loop Scenic Byway, North Cascades National Park can be accessed south of Bellingham by driving east on State Route 20. Make sure to enjoy the park's striking scenery, including the crisp teal waters of Diablo Lake. The highway through the park is typically open from late spring through early; it closes for the winter at milepost 130 (Colonial Creek Campground) or 134 (Ross Dam Trailhead).
- Bird watching
- Campgrounds
- Hiking and backpacking trails
- Parking
- Scenic overlooks
- Boat tours, programming, and overnight lodging with North Cascades Institute
- Visitor Information Centers with restrooms
State Parks
A Discover Pass is required to park at all Washington State Park campgrounds and trailheads. The pass is a motor vehicle permit only; you do not need it to enter a Washington State Park by foot, bicycle, or boat.
Birch Bay State Park provides visitors with beach and tideland access. This spot is also a very popular location for bird watching and camping.
- Bird watching
- Campground
- Picnic area
- Playground
- Restrooms
Anyone driving along Chuckanut Drive should be sure to stop at Larrabee State Park. Washington's first state park is a popular spot for beachcombing, camping, picnics, and relaxing while taking in spectacular views of the San Juan Islands.
- Bird watching
- Beach access
- Boating
- Campground
- Hiking trails
- Picnic area
- Playground
- Restrooms
Discover the beauty of the Peak of the PNW! Explore over 90 miles of trails all within the city of Bellingham with Rick Steves. Four episodes at bellingham.org/ricksteves.
Whatcom County & Bellingham Parks
Arroyo Park is located off Chuckanut Drive at 1700 Old Samish Road.
- Creek
- Off leash dog area
- Parking
- Hiking trails
This park in Lynden, WA features picnic areas, group shelters, playground activities, and an old growth forest.
Find more details here.
Big Rock Garden is tucked up in the hills overlooking Lake Whatcom. There are over 37 different sculptures by international and local artists.
- Gardens
- Gazebo
- Sculpture collection
- Walking trail
Bloedel Donovan gives park-goers access to Lake Whatcom and trails that lead to Whatcom Falls Park
- Basketball
- BBQ grills
- Boat launch
- Dock access
- Dog park / Off leash dog area
- Parking
- Picnic tables
- Playground
- Lake access
- Restrooms
- Trails
- Volleyball
Boulevard Park is one of the most popular parks in Bellingham. The park provides access to the South Bay Trail and Taylor Dock and is also a great place to take in the views of Bellingham Bay and Downtown Bellingham.
- BBQ grills
- Beach access to Bellingham Bay
- Boardwalk
- Picnic tables
- Playground
- Restrooms
- Trails
- Woods Coffee
Cornwall Park is located in the middle of Bellingham on 70 acres of land with 1.5 miles of trails to explore.
- BBQ grills
- Disc golf
- Horseshoe pits
- Parking
- Picnic shelter
- Picnic tables
- Pickleball courts
- Playgrounds
- Restrooms
- Spray park
- Tennis courts
- Walking trails
Elizabeth Park is home to Bellingham’s Summer Concert Series and also offers year round access to basketball courts, playgrounds, tennis courts, and trails.
- Basketball courts
- Fountain
- Gazebo
- Picnic tables
- Playgrounds
- Restrooms
- Tennis courts
- Trails
Fairhaven Park is a beautiful community area located near Bellingham’s Historic Fairhaven Village.
- BBQ grills
- Community buildings
- Basketball courts
- Picnic tables
- Playgrounds
- Restrooms
- Spray park
- Tennis court
- Trails
Hovander Homestead Park preserves the history of Ferndale's pioneer farms. The park encompasses nearly 350 acres and includes walking trails overlooking the Nooksack River.
- Boat ramp
- Fishing
- Picnic tables
- Playground
- Walking trails
- Fragrance garden
- Restrooms
- Wildlife viewing
The Interurban Trail sits on the site of the last electric train that ran along the Interurban Railway in 1928. Now the route connects urban greenways in Bellingham’s historic Fairhaven Village with Larrabee State Park and has become a favorite with walkers, runners, and bicyclists.
- Trails
Enjoy a stroll on the main loop trail that goes around Lake Padden or lengthen your trip by exploring some of the short trails at the east end of the park.
- Basketball
- BBQ grill
- Boat launch
- Fishing dock
- Golf course
- Lake access
- Off leash dog area
- Picnic tables
- Playground
- Softball fields
- Trails
Lake Whatcom Park gives visitors the opportunity to stroll by the lake and walk through a lush forest. The interpretive kiosk, located at the lake shore, tells the story of Lake Whatcom and its significance to our community.
- Fishing
- Trails
Located in Point Roberts, Lighthouse Marine Park is a 21 acre park that has become known as one of the best spots to view Orca whales from land.
- Boat ramp
- Camping
- Fishing
- Trails
- Picnic tables
- Playground
- Restrooms
- Wildlife viewing
Little Squalicum Park was established as a community park in 1976. With the completion of the Little Squalicum Estuary Project in 2023, new trails and a revitalized beach area are open for all the enjoy.
Opened in 2025, the park also now includes access to Little Squalicum Pier. Extending 1,248 feet into the bay, this is the longest public pier along the west coast between White Rock, B.C., and Pacifica, California!
- Off leash dog area
- Trails
Known as the original Lummi Island ferry landing, this beach is now used for exploring tideland.
- Beach access
- Fishing
Marine Park is a 1.9-acre park that includes beach access to Bellingham Bay. It is also conveniently located near Fairhaven Village and the Bellingham Cruise Terminal.
- Beach access
- Picnic tables
- Restrooms
Located behind Whatcom Museum’s Old City Hall, Maritime Heritage Park offers stunning views of Bellingham Bay and the active waterfront.
- Fishing
- Picnic tables
- Trails
Also known as Lynden’s City Park, Million Smiles is known for having the “best playground ever.”
- Basketball court
- Pickleball court
- Picnic tables
- Playground
- Tennis court
- Trails
The Sehome Hill Arboretum is a lush, green refuge with 6 miles of trails and is the backyard playground for Bellingham's Western Washington University and Fairhaven College. Established as an arboretum in 1967, Sehome Hill was officially protected from logging by members of Western’s College Board of Trustees in May 1969.
- Observation tower
- Trails
At Teddy Bear Cove expect to see magnificent shoreline views of Chuckanut Bay and Clark’s Point. An unusual white sand beach is the result of centuries of crushed clam shells.
- Beach access
- Fishing
- Trails
Wander down to the beach to enjoy the waterfront and make sure to check out the park’s namesake - the art installation known as “Waypoint” (a.k.a. the “Acid Ball”).
- Beach access
- Playground
- Near bike rentals and downtown pump track
- Access to Portal Container Village
Enjoy more than three miles of trails in Whatcom Falls Park. Stroll through the forests, discover open meadows, and take in the falls. Connect to Bloedel Donovan Park, the Railroad Trail, or do a one-mile loop in the park by beginning in the Silver Beach Road parking area (near the stone bridge at the main falls).
- BBQ grill
- Basketball
- Off leash dog area
- Picnic tables
- Playground
- Restroom
- Tennis courts
- Trails
Overlooking Squalicum Harbor, Zuanich Point Park is the venue for community events, boating celebrations, picnics, and outstanding kite flying.
- Playground
- Restrooms
- Trails/Paths
