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Bellingham

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Overview

Nestled between Lake Whatcom and the bay, Bellingham is outrageously well-stocked with recreational opportunities. The seven different sports that make up the annual Ski to Sea Race stages are a great showcase of the variety of activities that can be enjoyed in this small city. In addition to plenty of local parks, the town also boasts Washington's oldest state park, nearby Larrabee State Park. The multitude of outdoor activities combined with an active restaurant and brewery scene, make this small town a recreational mecca that visitors won't want to miss.

Visiting Tips

Spring and fall are especially good times to visit the trails in and around Bellingham, and the summer is great too. A milder climate means that trails can generally be enjoyed year-round as long as runners comes prepared with the right gear and a willingness to tolerate some rain.

Camping & Lodging

Bellingham has an assortment of hotels, such as the adventurer friendly Heliotrope Hotel, but not many camping options besides Larrabee State Park.

Food & Drink

There's no lack for post-trail food and libations. Bellingham is well stocked in the brewery and restaurant department, so the biggest challenge may be choosing just one to try. Visit Bellingham Whatcom County's website for a list.

Recommended Routes in Bellingham - 10

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Favorite Navigating the most technical part during the Chuckanut 50k.
Intermediate/Difficult

Chuckanut Lost Lake Loop

8.1 mi 13.0 km 1,182' Up 360.16 m Up 1,182' Down 360.3 m Down

Bellingham, WA
Favorite Winding section towards the top of Fragrance Lake Trail.
Intermediate/Difficult

Fragrance Lake Half Marathon

13.9 mi 22.4 km 2,731' Up 832.53 m Up 2,854' Down 869.87 m Down

Bellingham, WA
Favorite Cresting the last small hill at the end of the Lake Padden Loop.
Difficult

Lake Padden Trail Half Marathon

13.7 mi 22.0 km 1,677' Up 511.22 m Up 1,676' Down 510.89 m Down

Geneva, WA
Favorite This side of Lookout Mountain has the moss to prove it gets more rain.
Intermediate

Lookout Mountain Preserve Loop

4.0 mi 6.4 km 898' Up 273.86 m Up 883' Down 269.19 m Down

Sudden…, WA
Favorite San Juan Islands
Intermediate/Difficult

Oyster Dome Loop

8.3 mi 13.4 km 1,971' Up 600.87 m Up 1,970' Down 600.49 m Down

Bow, WA
Favorite Ashley jogs between the ferns on a mild winter evening.
Intermediate

Stimpson Family Nature Reserve Loop

3.1 mi 4.9 km 369' Up 112.61 m Up 370' Down 112.74 m Down

Sudden…, WA
Favorite View from North Butte Trail
Intermediate

North Butte from Lower Blanchard Hill Trailhead

9.8 mi 15.8 km 1,666' Up 507.85 m Up 1,666' Down 507.85 m Down

Bow, WA
Favorite Sunset from Teddy Bear Cove
Intermediate

Teddy Bear Cove Trail

0.5 mi 0.9 km 191' Up 58.12 m Up 190' Down 58.04 m Down

Bellingham, WA
Favorite Padilla Bay shore trail at Indian Slough -- You can see a bit of the wide, flat, well-maintained trail to the right of the barn.
Difficult

Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail: Oyster Dome-Deception Pass

37.8 mi 60.9 km 1,266' Up 385.84 m Up 1,299' Down 396 m Down

Bow, WA
Favorite The next generation of trees rises out of the old growth remains next to this lovely stream.
Intermediate

Squires Lake Park Loop

2.1 mi 3.3 km 334' Up 101.78 m Up 333' Down 101.57 m Down

Alger, WA

Bellingham Running

  • 138 Miles 222 Kilometers of Trail
  • 10 Recommended Routes
  • 78 Easy Trails Easy Trails
  • 112 Intermediate Trails Intermediate Trails
  • 14 Difficult Trails Difficult Trails
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Areas Within Bellingham

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Trails in Bellingham - 194

Trail Run Project is built by runners like you. Add Your Trails

1.6 mi 2.6 km #1Fragrance Lake Trail
Intermediate
Bellingham, WA
Intermediate
Bellingham, WA 13 
0.8 mi 1.3 km #2Dan's Traverse
Intermediate
Bellingham, WA
Intermediate
Bellingham, WA
2.9 mi 4.7 km #3Chuckanut Ridge Trail
Difficult
Bellingham, WA
Difficult
Bellingham, WA
7.0 mi 11.2 km #4Interurban Trail
Easy/Intermediate
Bellingham, WA
Easy/Intermediate
Bellingham, WA
0.7 mi 1.1 km #5Lower Padden Trail
Intermediate
Bellingham, WA
Intermediate
Bellingham, WA
2.4 mi 3.9 km #6South Bay Trail
Easy
Bellingham, WA
Easy
Bellingham, WA
1.5 mi 2.4 km #7Whatcom Creek Trail - East
Intermediate
Bellingham, WA
Intermediate
Bellingham, WA
3.5 mi 5.7 km #8Railroad Trail
Easy
Bellingham, WA
Easy
Bellingham, WA
0.9 mi 1.5 km #9Whatcom Creek Trail - Central
Easy
Bellingham, WA
Easy
Bellingham, WA
0.6 mi 1.0 km #10Squalicum Creek Park Loop
Easy
Bellingham, WA
Easy
Bellingham, WA

Photos of Bellingham - 131

Trail Run Project is built by runners like you. Add Your Photos

Winding section towards the top of Fragrance Lake Trail.
Apr 14, 2015 near Bellingham, WA
Bombing down Dan's Traverse during the Fragrance Lake Half Marathon.
Apr 14, 2015 near Bellingham, WA
Navigating the most technical part during the Chuckanut 50k.
Apr 14, 2015 near Bellingham, WA
On the Chuckanut 50k through Arroyo Park
Apr 23, 2015 near Bellingham, WA
San Juan Islands
Apr 17, 2016 near Bow, WA
A view east off of the Chuckanut Ridge Trail.
Aug 30, 2016 near Bellingham, WA
View from North Butte Trail
Jul 12, 2017 near Bow, WA
Ashley jogs between the ferns on a mild winter evening.
Feb 25, 2018 near Geneva, WA