The best walks and hikes around Bellingham

The Upper and Lower Backcountry Loop at Lake Padden Park offers a delightful immersion into the Pacific Northwest's lush landscapes. You'll wander through dense, moss-covered forests dominated by Douglas fir and western red cedar, with the terrain shifting from well-maintained paths to slightly more rugged ascents. The highlight for many is the moment the trees part, revealing expansive views over Lake Padden, a perfect reward for your efforts.

This easy 3.0-mile (4.8 km) hike, with 562 feet (171 metres) of elevation gain, can be completed in about 1 hour and 27 minutes, making it a fantastic option for a quick escape. Parking is readily available at Lake Padden Park, and the trail is accessible year-round, so you can enjoy its beauty whenever the mood strikes. There's no need for permits, just show up and hit the trail.

What sets this trail apart is its ability to deliver diverse natural settings within a relatively short and accessible loop. Interpretive signs along the way provide insights into the local flora and fauna, enriching your experience. It's a great family-friendly trail that offers a refreshing blend of forest tranquility and open lake views, perfect for a leisurely outing.

The Ridge Trail, FFC, Intestine, and SST Loop offers a delightful forest escape on Galbraith Mountain, weaving together several popular paths for a varied experience. You'll navigate through dense woodlands, enjoying the gentle ascent of the "Intestine" section with its characteristic switchbacks and mild grades. This easy 3.4-mile (5.5 km) hike, featuring 586 feet (179 metres) of elevation gain, is perfect for a quick outing, typically taking around 1 hour and 38 minutes to complete.

Planning your visit to this multi-use trail means sharing the path with mountain bikers, so always be aware of your surroundings. While specific trailhead parking can vary across Galbraith Mountain, the area is well-established for outdoor recreation. It's a great option for a spontaneous walk, offering a consistent and pleasant forest environment throughout much of the year.

This loop is a fantastic example of how various named trails, like the Ridge Trail, Family Fun Center (FFC), and SST, integrate to form a cohesive route within the larger Galbraith Mountain system. The SST trails, in particular, are highly popular, indicating a well-maintained and frequently visited area. It's a solid choice if you're looking for an accessible and engaging forest hike in Bellingham.

The Cornwall Park Trail in Bellingham offers a delightful escape into nature, even within the city limits. You'll wander through a lush wooded landscape filled with towering Douglas-fir and western red cedar, following a mix of wide, packed-gravel paths and more primitive trails. Keep an eye out for Squalicum Creek and its attractive cascade as you enjoy this easy 2.4-mile (3.8 km) hike, which features a gentle 78 feet (24 metres) of elevation gain and takes around 59 minutes.

This trail is incredibly accessible and family-friendly, making it a great option for a quick outing or a leisurely afternoon. You'll find plenty of amenities like playgrounds and picnic areas, and the varied trail network means you can easily customize your walk. It's a perfect spot for after-work exercise or to get some fresh air during the winter months.

Cornwall Park is a 68-acre semi-natural oasis, providing a vital green space for the community. Beyond hiking, you can enjoy disc golf, horseshoe pits, and tennis courts, or try your hand at birding. The trail also connects to the larger Bay to Baker Trail and Squalicum Creek Trail, offering opportunities to extend your adventure beyond the park's boundaries.

The Madrone Crest Loop offers a deep dive into the verdant heart of Chuckanut Mountain Park, guiding you through a dense forest rich with ancient cedar and Douglas firs. You'll traverse winding paths lined with tall fern fronds, experiencing a true sense of seclusion as you climb. Keep an eye out for the unique grotto, formed by two massive, moss-covered rock slabs, and listen for the sound of waterfalls near the trailhead. The trail's varied terrain, including gravel singletrack and natural surfaces, provides a dynamic hiking experience.

This moderate 5.4-mile (8.6 km) loop involves a significant 1323 feet (403 metres) of elevation gain, taking approximately 2 hours and 44 minutes to complete. While no specific parking information is available, the trailhead is within Chuckanut Mountain Park. Be aware that during wetter periods, sections of the trail can become muddy, so sturdy, waterproof footwear is advisable. For the best experience, aim for a clear day to potentially catch views of Mount Baker from higher elevations.

The Madrone Crest Loop is notable for its namesake Pacific Madrone trees, with their distinctive red peeling bark and evergreen leaves, adding to the trail's unique flora. Beyond the natural beauty, the trail offers a balanced challenge for hikers with good fitness levels, providing a rewarding escape into nature. It's a fantastic option for those seeking a tranquil forest hike with engaging terrain and the possibility of stunning mountain vistas.