Scenic trails of Whatcom Falls Park, Bellingham, Washington

Discover the scenic trails of Whatcom Falls Park. The park covers 241 acres and features four small waterfalls along Whatcom River.

There are 5.5 miles of easy hiking trails, a small fish hatchery, and a fishing derby pond for children under 14 years old. Picnic shelters and tables, playgrounds, and bathroom facilities are also available.

This area is located in Washington State, near the city of Bellingham, and runs between Bellingham Bay and Whatcom Lake. The park is open daily from 6 am – 10 pm.

Whatcom Falls Park Trails

There are 5.5 miles of trails to explore in Whatcom Falls Park. Wander through the forest trails and cross over wooden and stone bridges while viewing the rushing Whatcom River.

The impressive Chuckanut Sandstone Bridge was built in 1939. Its beautiful arches came from a burned-out downtown Bellingham building.

In the summer, follow the trail to Bloedel Donovan Park, a popular beach on Whatcom Lake.

Download a Whatcom Falls Park trail guide.

Top hikes near Metro Vancouver explore Whatcom Falls, Bellingham Washington. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

The Chuckanut Sandstone bridge at Whatcom Falls Park. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Waterfalls at the Chuckanut Sandstone Bridge in Whatcom Falls Park. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Whatcom River in Whatcom Falls Park. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

The scenic Whatcom River in Whatcom Falls Park: Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

A wooden bridge at Whatcom Falls Park: Photo Credit. Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

A wooden bridge at Whatcom Falls Park: Photo Credit. Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Discover the scenic trails of Whatcom Falls park. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Discover the scenic trails of Whatcom Falls Park. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Bellingham Fish Hatchery

The Bellingham Fish Hatchery is located within the park. The hatchery raises mostly rainbow trout.

The hatchery is active all year, depending on the season. March through December is a good time to see larger fish.

Informational signs are posted at the fish hatchery. The Bellingham Kids’ Fishing Derby is usually held one day in May.

The Bellingham Fish Hatchery, Whatcom Falls. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

The Bellingham Fish Hatchery, Whatcom Falls. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Fast Facts

• The Whatcom Falls Park covers 241 acres.
• The first 40 acres of land was purchased from private owners in 1908.
• More than 25 years ago, on June 10, 1999, the park was hit by a devastating fire caused by the Olympic Pipeline Company explosion. Whatcom Creek and Hatfield Creek were affected by the spill of more than 200,000 gallons of gasoline from the buried pipe. Three people were killed. Find out more.
• During the summer drought in 2015, 5,400 fish, mostly rainbow trout, died because the water temperature became too warm.
• The entire state of Washington produces more than a million fish every year in its hatcheries.

Getting there

Before heading to Whatcom Falls Park, remember you need a valid passport to cross the International Boundary between Canada and the United States.

The drive there is just over 92 km and will take about one hour and 15 minutes from Vancouver, BC, depending on border traffic.

Head south on BC-99, cross the International border and then continue on Hwy I-5 South to Bellingham. Take Exit 253 onto Lakeway Drive. Turn on Silver Beach Road for quick access to the Chuckanut Sandstone Bridge. Check for border crossing wait times.

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