Where do we begin? Whatcom County is a haven for recreational enthusiasts! Take your pick from hiking, bicycling, fishing, boating, crabbing, golfing, bird watching and superb skiing & snowboarding. If you like to end the day with a sunset over the water, settle into a sleek kayak and paddle around the uncrowded coves along Chuckanut Bay. This is an action packed, hold on to your pants kind of place.

Birdwatching

Northwest Washington is famous for year-round bird watching. Birders will find any number of opportunities to observe owls, eagles feeding on spawning salmon, waterfowls, shore birds and many other species at 15 birding locations in Whatcom County. 

Bird Watching Tours 
NCAS Birding
Bird Watching in Washington

Biking

Spin the wheels of your imagination and you will find a trail or road to meet your bicycling fantasies. “Mountain Bike” magazine recently rated our region as one of the top ten places to toss the trail dirt.

Galbraith Mountain
Bellingham Dirt Jump Park
Whatcom Independent Mountain Peddlers
Mountain Biking around Bellingham
Mountain Biking Trails in Bellingham
Mount Baker Cycling Club

Boating & Kayaking

With many local lakes and public boat launches, there are plenty of ways to get on the water in Whatcom County. Choose from Lake Padden, Lake Whatcom, or Lake Samish where you can rent a sailboat or kayak to be part of the fun. Boat owners that enjoy the ocean can rent a slip at the marinas in Bellingham or Birch Bay. The young at heart can try an exhilarating white water rafting trip on the Nooksack River. For those with a less hands-on appreciation of the water, you can join a charter trip to the stunning San Juan Islands or Victoria.
Lake Whatcom (public boat launch at Bloedel Donovan Park)
Lake Padden (electric motors only; boat launch is at the second entrance)
Lake Samish
Toad Lake (no motorboats)
Chuckanut Bay (boat launch at Larrabee State Park)
Bellingham Bay
Silver Lake (no more than 10 horsepower)

Northern Light Expedition
Elakah Expedition
Kayaking Instruction Excellence
Ski to Sea
Bellingham Yacht Club
Squalicum Harbor
Blaine Harbor
Downtown Bellingham Marina 
Boat Charter

Camping

Whatcom County is home to some of the country’s most beautiful locations to camp. Pinned between the mountains and the sea, outdoor enthusiasts should never be at a loss for a great place to pitch a tent. Washington State has thousands of acres reserved for parks making a weekend getaway never far. One of the favorite places to camp is Deception Pass with breath taking views of the Straight of Juan De Fuca and nearby islands, which also feature very popular campgrounds. Going east on Highway 20 you will find yourself on the North Cascades Scenic Highway, home to the sparkling teal waters of Ross Lake and Lake Diablo. If you are brave, some of the most beautiful places to rough it are along this highway, accessible by your own two feet. Just watch out for bears!

Whatcom Counting Camping
KOA Campgrounds in Washington
Whatcom RV Campgrounds 
State Parks in Whatcom County and Washington State

Crabbing & Clamming

Looking to dig some clams or go crabbing? Enjoy a plethora of beaches throughout Whatcom County. Point Robert’s, Birch Bay or Maple Beach’s half-mile of sand flats are great for crabbing and clamming and boast the warmest waters north of California. Local restaurants regularly include these fresh delicious treats. 

Birch Bay
Clayton Beach (southern Larrabee State Park)

Department of Fish and Wildlife

Fishing & Swimming

In the shadow of Mt. Baker there are many lakes and rivers for fishing and swimming alike. Some lakes only allow non-powered boats, which are preferred by the avid fisherman. Public beaches and docks in the water add all sorts of fun for everyone. Lake Padden Park is one of the most popular places and perfect for a lazy summer day. Runners, Hikers and bikers love the 2.6 mile trail around this lake. If you’re up for a New Year’s adventure, try one of the yearly polar bear swims that take place at Lake Padden and Birch Bay, complete with costume contests!

Lake Padden
Toad Lake
Nooksack River
Silver Lake
Lake Whatcom 
Chuckanut Bay
Lake Samish
Pacific Ocean
Arne Hanna Aquatic Center

Puget Sound Anglers
Eagle Point Fishing
Pacific Northwest Fishing
Swimming at Lake Samish
Arne Hanna Aquatic Center
Lake Padden  
Salmon University

Golfing

Get teed off! The Bellingham Mt. Baker region has more golf courses than any area in Washington, according to Golf Digest magazine. With 17 private & public golf courses we have greens for golfers of all skills & levels, many of them with unsurpassed scenic beauty. The 18-hole championship Arnold Palmer golf course, a tree-lined masterpiece at Resort Semiahmoo and Loomis Trail - #1 public golf course in Washington - should not be missed.

Bellingham Golf & Country Club
Birch Bay Village Golf Course- Cowichan Rd. Blaine, 360-371-2026
Dakota Creek Golf Course
Grandview Golf Course-Portal Way, Custer 360-366-3947
Homestead Farms Golf & Country Club
Lake Padden Golf Course
Loomis Trail
New World Golf- Guide Meridian, Bellingham 360-398-1362
North Bellingham Public Golf Course
Peaceful Valley Country Club
Point Roberts Golf Course
Raspberry Ridge- Hannegan Road, Everson, 360-354-3029
Riverside Golf Course Riverside Drive, Ferndale 360-384-4116
Semiahmoo Resort
Shuksan Golf Club
Sudden Valley Golf Course
The Hitting Zone

Hiking

Bellingham was named “Trail Town U.S.A.” nearly ten years ago by the National Park Service and American Hiking Society, and there’s no wondering why! We have miles of trails and thousands of stunning views. Come take a stroll, breathe the air, and find your soul. Stop by the Visitor Center at I-5 Exit 253 or the USFS Center in Glacier on State Route 542 for maps and trails to suite any needs.

Mt. Baker Hiking Club
Whatcom County Trails
Northwest Travel and Outdoor
Bellingham Outdoors

Horseback Riding

One great way to enjoy the Northwest’s scenic beauty is on horseback. Fresh air and the clop of hoofs rejuvenate the spirit. Throughout the county there are places to board your own horse, or there’s plenty of space to purchase your own hobby farm. If your not ready for that type of commitment, there are also places that offer trail rides, both in the woods, and along the beach!

Lang’s Horse and Pony Farm
Northstar Horse Farm
Southwind Farm

Skiing and Snowboarding

Carve down the slopes of the laid-back ski destination, Mt. Baker, that boasts the most snowfall EVER in a single season. We are talking a world record of 1,140 inches. This is the mountain where snowboarding was virtually invented, but skiers are welcome and treated like neighbors. The world renowned slopes of Whistler and Blackcomb are not far either, just north over the border in beautiful British Columbia. Big White and Sun Peaks are both modern alpine villages in B.C. offering the ultimate mountain experience.

Mount Baker
Whistler Blackcomb
Big White
Sun Peaks
Crystal Mountain

Whale Watching

Whatcom County’s close proximity to the Georgia Strait affords quick and easy access to waters inhabited by several pods of Orca Whales. Each year, the Gray Whale leaves from the Baja Peninsula in Mexico and travel over 10,000 miles to the Arctic Ocean. Luckily for us, part of their journey takes them through the Puget Sound, often quite near the shore. Several companies offer whale watching tours and make regular trips to the San Juan Islands.

Island Mariner Cruises
Victoria San Juan Cruises
Great Orca Adventures