5 Trail Runs in Bellingham

South Bay / Boulevard Park trail

An easy off-road trail running from the town center all the way to Fairhaven, a nice place for a coffee or a snack. It’s often busy with weekend runners and is a commuter trail on the weekdays, so keep that in mind. The trail is nice and wide to pass.

For more local information see :
https://www.cob.org/documents/parks/parks-trails/trail-guide/south_bay.pdf

Trailheads

City center or Fairhaven, even in the middle at Boulevard Park which has parking and a coffee shop.

Lake Padden

A very popular park just outside of Bellingham, with lots of families, dog walkers, and still great for trail running. There are options of smaller single-tracks off the southern side of the lake and a possible 2-3 mile undulating extension for a tougher and longer route. If you get too hot, it’s a great place to take a dip and cool off. If lake water doesn’t tick your boxes, there are showers at the Wilkin St. entrance to rinse off afterward.

Trailheads

West Entrance off of Samish Way, East of 46th St.
East Entrance off of Samish Way, East of Governor Rd.
Wilkin St. (east of 40th St.) This is also the horse trailer parking lot.
Trailhead parking and trail access on Samish Way across from Galbraith Lane.

Hovander Park (Ferndale)

This is a short 15 mins drive north of Bellingham to the small town of Ferndale. If you want to experience a historic homestead whilst running around some beautiful wild fields and gardens, then this is the run for you. Ferndale is a nice small town and a great place to grab a beer and food after your run.

The trail runs all the way down the riverside, but it’s possible to run cross country and even through the gardens and boardwalks around the historic house.

Trailheads

Park in the town center and run across the bridge and access the park via Hovander Road.

Fragrance Lake (Larabee State park)

This track is for stronger runners looking for a tough uphill, where you’ll be power hiking most of the time. There are lots of switchbacks to smoothen the incline, but they don’t help too much. If you’re looking for an easier up or down, there’s an escape 4×4 route from the top to the Lost Lake parking lot.

If it’s a good day and you’d like some views across the bay there’s a small extension to a lookout towards the bottom of the trail.

Or if you’re really overheating at the top you could take a dip in the super cold lake.

Trailheads

Chuckanut drive. 2 car parks. Discovery Pass required.

Chain Lakes Loop Trail (Mt. Baker 1h 30 from Bellingham)

We’ve saved the best until last. Chain Lakes Loop Trail is one for the hardened runners out there. And if that’s not you, I still advise taking this trail as a hike. It’s a fair way out Bellingham, but certainly worth a weekend outing even if you’re trail running or not. 

The trail offers some of the most amazing views of the area around Mt. Baker.

You can make the journey in either direction as you’ll be climbing for the first mile either way. Clockwise has steps, and anti-clockwise has switchbacks, you decide what you want to climb.

It’s worth noting that the trail is not available year-round as in the winter it’s a ski resort! So check out the National Forest Service Website for announcements.

Please note this is a very difficult trail and should only be attempted by serious trail runners, who know how much water and food they’ll need on the trail. Also, be sure to bring appropriate equipment to keep cool and warm. More than my usual minimal advice that I give.

You’ll be sure to be bitten by bugs out there and always think about the wildlife and leave no trace. Pack it out!

Trailhead

Chain lakes Trailhead Parking.  Discovery Pass required.

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