You might feel like you've wandered into the North Cascades when you venture into this enormous wooded park. The wild region bisects Bellingham's eastern suburbs, stretching from Lake Whatcom to Bellingham Bay. Changes in elevation are marked by four waterfalls, including Whirlpool Falls, a popular summer swimming hole with a historic mossy bridge across it, just steps from the parking lot. There are 4 miles of trails in the park as well as picnic tables and recreational facilities.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. SPARK Museum of Electrical Invention

2.36 MILES

This museum showcases more than 2000 exhibits relating to the early days of electricity and the golden age of radio. And if you're over 18 and willing to…

2. Whatcom Museum of History & Art

2.4 MILES

This revamped museum is spread over three buildings: historic Whatcom City Hall (built in 1892), the adjacent Syre Education Center (photo archives, open…

3. Western Washington University

2.68 MILES

Founded in 1893 as a teacher training institute, WWU was redesignated as a university in 1977. The WWU Visitors Information Center can provide details of…

4. Western Gallery

2.81 MILES

The collection in this Western Washington University gallery includes tapestries by Alexander Calder and several paintings by key nature-focused Northwest…

5. Larrabee State Park

7.37 MILES

This coastal park holds 15 miles of trails that go up to a viewpoint or lead to a rocky stretch of Samish Bay shoreline. There's also a campground.

8. Maritime Heritage Center

18.23 MILES

The maritime museum contains the restored hulk of the WT Preston snagboat, the last sternwheeler that operated on Puget Sound between 1929 and 1981,…