Whatcom: Hotels Between Coast, Nature, and History

Whatcom County combines an extensive coastline with parks, trails, and historical attractions. More than 100 miles of coastline stretch along the Salish Sea; winter snow activities, events, and sports are also part of the region’s offerings.

Coast and Water Activities

The county’s coastline includes Chuckanut Bay, Bellingham Bay, Lummi Island, Lummi Bay, Cherry Point, Birch Bay, Drayton Harbor, and Point Roberts. These names represent a vast coastal region with a variety of possible travel interests. At Birch Bay State Park, the relatively warm water is suitable for crabbing, windsurfing, swimming, sailing, and paddling. Conditions and seasonal operations may vary.

Larrabee State Park also offers activities on the water, including boating, shellfish gathering, crabbing, diving, and fishing in both fresh and salt water. Regulations and conditions may vary. When planning, the wide range of water activities here offers a different point of reference than the activities listed for Birch Bay State Park.

Trails, Scenery, and Outdoor Activities

Larrabee State Park was established as Washington State’s first state park. Its trail network covers 18 miles: 1.5 miles are reserved exclusively for biking, 2.7 miles exclusively for hiking, and 13.8 miles are multi-use trails for biking, hiking, and horseback riding. This breakdown helps you distinguish between the types of trails available.

Sehome Hill Arboretum covers 175.5 acres and has trails through a stand of native, mature trees. It has a total of 6 miles of trails. At Galbraith Mountain, public recreational use of up to 65 miles of trails is permanently protected; the area is protected from development. It has been developed into a regionally renowned mountain biking destination. The trails are also suitable for family outings, running, hiking, and walking. This offers a very diverse range of landscapes and outdoor activities, from trails through a stand of mature trees to an extensive mountain biking area.

History and Culture

Hovander Homestead Park preserves the history of pioneer farming and covers nearly 350 acres, with more than a mile of riverfront. The Hovander House was completed in 1903. Its historic furnishings include original pieces the family brought from Sweden. The park and house thus offer two different ways to explore history: the agricultural past and preserved furnishings.

Peace Arch Historical State Park is home to the 67-foot-tall International Peace Arch on the US-Canada border near Blaine. The park grounds span two countries. Features of the park include landscaped gardens and interpretive panels with audio content. The Fairhaven Historic District was first platted in 1883 and contains Fairhaven’s best-preserved commercial buildings. Historic Fairhaven is also part of free, mobile, self-guided tours of historic districts. Since tour offerings may change, check their current availability in advance.

Admission to the Whatcom Museum also includes access to the Family Interactive Gallery, a play area for young children with an art studio, toys, and activity centers. This may be of interest when planning your outing if you’d like to combine your trip with a museum visit.

Events and Travel Planning

Annual traditions in Bellingham and Whatcom County include music and film festivals, parades, art walks, and outdoor adventure competitions. If a particular event is essential to your trip, check the specific dates. Mt. Baker Ski Area is also in the county; seasonal activities, events, and sports centered on winter snow are part of the seasonal offerings.

On Lummi Island, the Yummy Lummi Island Trail is a named culinary trail where you can discover local treats and island specialties. The program may change; check current participation before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Bellingham, Blaine, Ferndale, Lynden, Glacier, Deming, Maple Falls, Asotin

For the broader travel overview: Washington.