Our beautiful city of Bellingham has seemingly endless opportunities to get out in nature to exercise and to enjoy the beauty that this amazing city has to offer. Whether it be a walk through boulevard park, a train run at Chuckanut, or paddling in the bay, there are many free places you can get out and get active!
Urban Running Routes
Nothing better than getting out in nature while staying in town! Bellingham is the place that does it best; below are several Urban running routes that keep you in the city but allow you to still be immersed in the beauty that Bellingham offers. Below is a list of some of our favorite urban running routes. You can find maps and a helpful list of these routes at BE in Bellingham:
South Bay Trail: 2.5 miles each way, this run takes you along Bellingham Bay and across Taylor Dock over the Bay itself. Start in Fairhaven at the Village Green and go north, or Boundary Bay Brewery and go south.
Interurban Trail: (south of Bellingham) 2 miles each way, from the Village Green, head south on 10th street to the trailhead, and follow the Interurban Trail south. This run meanders through Padden Creek area then towards the south part of town in the forest.
Interurban Trail to Larrabee State Park: 7 miles one way, continuation of the interurban run, continue down the hill and into Arroyo Park, running along beautiful Chuckanut Creek, then climb back out of the valley onto the relatively flat Interurban trail south to Larrabee State Park almost all on forgiving crushed gravel trail.
Zuanich Point: various distances – out and back of 3.5 miles – From the parking lot on Roeder and Bellewether Way, this paved path goes around the beautiful Hotel Bellwether, around Squalicum Harbor, and out to Zuanich Point.
Cornwall Park: 1.1 mile loop – Cornwall Park has a wonderful rolling trail through the woods of this popular park, well as a few secondary trails for a forested, quiet run in the middle of town.
Whatcom Falls Park: various distances – trails in and around our signature waterfall and the Whatcom Creek facilities. There are many little loops and such with this run of various distances, but be sure to get a signature Bellingham picture at the falls on the amazing bridge.
Railroad Trail from Memorial Park to Whatcom Falls Park/Bloedel Donovan Park: 3 miles one way, this crushed gravel takes you from Memorial park up towards Lake Whatcom.
Lake Padden: 2.6 miles around the lake – this rolling terrain run is another Bellingham staple. Run around beautiful Lake Padden, and let all the activities on the lake take away the effort of the day.
Trail Running and Biking
Bellingham has more than 50 trailheads to choose from! There are seemingly trails everywhere and you can find a lot of resources for trailheads via the Bellingham Trail Guide. Below are a couple of our favorites:
The Chuckanuts: The Chuckanuts offer some of Bellingham’s best trail running just ten minutes south of downtown. The Chuckanuts are the PNW mini version of Big Sur and the only place where the Cascade mountain range meets the sea. There are many miles of terrain on dozens of trails to connect up and create your run with so make sure to grab a map before you head out. A great place to start is at Larrabee State Park and run up 1,000 feet to and around Fragrance Lake or take in views of beautiful Chuckanut Bay or continue up the road to the Ridge Trail and enjoy views of Mt. Baker.
Stimpson Reserve: If you are looking for a calmer (but equally ferny) rainforested trail, head to Stimpson Reserve along Lake Louise Rd between Bellingham and Sudden Valley with 4 beautiful hilly miles with a couple of loop options.
