The Bellingham area is known for the outdoors, and the abundance of nature is a huge selling-point for Western students. Even though school is soon approaching, here are some of the best places to get your nose out of those books.
1. Copper Ridge (North Cascades National Park)
This entire hike brings 360-degree views of everything that the great Pacific Northwest has to offer. It has, in my opinion, the best views in the area. It’s a pretty strenuous hike, so I only recommend for experienced hikers. It’s about a 13.9 miles round trip.
But back to the views…you are met with snow-capped peaks, a twisting river in the valley, hills covered in greenery, and fields of wild flowers. It is seriously worth the sore legs you will be feeling after.
Where: Take Mount Baker Highway (Highway 542) about eight miles past the town of Glacier. Turn left onto Hannegan Road, and the parking lot to the trail is about five miles away.
Pass required: Northwest Forest Pass (details in the Artist Point section below)
Recommendations: Be prepared for the difficulty of this hike. Make sure to pack tons of water, snacks, sunscreen, etc. Also try to get there at the crack of dawn to start your trip.
2. Artist Point (Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest)
At more than 5,000 feet above sea level, Artist Point brings sweeping views of Mount Shuksan and Mount Baker. This area is completely buried by snow eight months of the year, so there is only a short period of time to soak in all of its glory.
The trail is easy to access from the parking lot and is less than a mile long. The views start long before the trail-head with breathtaking views on the drive up through the mountains. What I love the most about this view is that the different terrains meet 50/50 down the middle. On one half, it is greenery for miles, but it is met with slicing rocks and snow on the other half.
Where: About 55 miles out Mount Baker Highway to Heather Meadows. It is near the Mount Baker Ski area. From Western Washington University, it took me about an hour to get there.
Permits required: Artist Point is in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, which means that the Northwest Forest Pass is required. I was not prepared when I went so I bought the $5/day pass, but I highly recommend the $30/annual pass, because it can be used basically anywhere you want to hike in Washington.
Recommendations: Because this area is only open from about June until October, or until the first snowfall, it is highly popular. I recommend making the trip out there either early in the morning or later in the day to catch the sunset.
3. Bagley Lakes (Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest)
I stumbled across Bagley Lakes on my drive up to Artist Point. I admittedly thought I was lost and decided to stop because I was tired of looking for my original final destination. But I am so glad I ran into this place.
What I love about this hike is that it gets less than half the foot traffic that Artist Point has during the summer months, but equally impressive views. It’s nestled between monstrous mountains and allows you to get off the trail and explore a path you create yourself. That also makes it perfect for any age, because you can either follow the trail or go off and adventure.
Where: Take the exact same road, Highway 542, and as I said to, begin making your way to Artist Point. However, stop about three miles before you would for Artist Point to explore on your own.
Permits Required: The Northwest Forest Pass is also required here.
Recommendations: Don’t be in a rush here! Take your time to explore all around this area, because it has so much to offer. I recommend walking around both lakes completely, because you never know what nature is hiding. You can also pack a lunch and eat on giant rocks that are located right by the lake.
4. Oyster Dome (Chuckanut Drive)
I had to put this cliché Bellingham hike on the list because of the amazing view of Samish Bay and the surrounding mountains. While this may be a popular hike in the area, don’t mistake that for it being easy. You gain about 2,000 feet in elevation pretty quickly. The hike is 6.5 miles round trip and is completely worth the early morning wake up.
Once you reach the top, you are met with the most spectacular views in central Bellingham. To the left is Anacortes and the Skagit River flats. Lummi Island and Orcas Island are to the right. Samish Bay is straight in front and you can see Vancouver Island and the Olympic Mountains in the distance. The peak is rocky, so be careful if you hike with children or dogs.
Where: Follow Chuckanut Drive for about 11 miles until you reach the trailhead on your right.
Passes Required: The Discover Pass is required for parking. It’s $10/day or $30 for the annual pass.
Recommendations: Start early! It’s so much more enjoyable if you can be taking in the views by yourself instead of battling for a picture spot with other hikers. The hike may take longer than you expect, so be prepared for a day trip.
5. Rosario Beach (Deception Pass National Park)
Located along Deception Pass, Rosario Beach is one of the best in the Bellingham area. The sandy beaches with old trees and the fields of wild flowers make it a must-see. Whales are also a constant presence in the water here, which makes it great for spotting orcas, porpoises, or even a gray whale.
With it being a little farther away from Bellingham, I have yet to visit this location, but I put it on the list to hopefully get my butt in gear to get here next spring. The tide pools and extensive sandy beaches are what draw people in to visit this place.
Where: Take I-5 South until you reach the WA-20 exit. Once off the exits, follow the signs until you hit the beach.
Passes Required: Discover Pass
Recommendations: Just go! I have yet to experience this beauty, but I have full faith that it will be just as spectacular as Google makes it look.