Bellingham Travel Guide, Washington

Even a traveler feeling apprehensive about visiting foreign soil will feel completely at ease in Bellingham, a little city located 90 miles N of Seattle in Whatcom County, in a predominant rural area with the farm towns of Ferndale and Lynden as neighboring towns that offer excellent opportunities to explore the countryside. The city itself offers marvelous views of the San Juan Islands and it is best known as being the southern terminus for ferries heading north to Alaska that can dock at Squalicum Harbor.

The main attractions this vibrant shipping port boasts are the 10,778-foot Mount Baker, a boat marina, a hotel and commercial complex, a park and the historic community of Fairhaven, once a separate town. The site of the Bellingham Cruise Terminal, Fairhaven boasts a large number of historical markers that gives the visitors a clue of life in Fairhaven in the 1890. It is also the most interesting neighborhood in town with old brick commercial buildings built between 1880 and 1900 and now restored to house interesting shops, art galleries, good restaurants, several cafes, bakeries and if you are in for an English atmosphere you can enjoy it by having fish and chips at an old double-decker British bus.

There is also the opportunity to enjoy books at Village Books, the neighborhood’s cultural centre. Visit this beautiful neighborhood and you will consider it a memorable part of your visit to Bellingham!

Another glimpse of history is offered by the historic excursion train operated by Lake Whatcom Railway. The train runs mainly in summer and autumn, but there are some trips in winter, too. The trips begin at the town of Wickersham and last about an hour and a half and along the way you'll get to see part of Mount Baker and decide to visit this popular destination that offers opportunities for outdoor activities both in summer and in winter.

In summer you can hike through meadows and forests and in winter skiing and snowboarding are the major draws.

From the mountains you can pass on to Washington's most scenic stretches of coastline to be found south of the city. You can go along this coastline Chuckanut and Samish bays by taking Chuckanut Drive that begins on the southern edge of the Fairhaven Historic District and you will see the most scenic stretches of road in northwestern Washington which provides glimpses of rugged shores, expansive waters, and the San Juan Islands while you can fully enjoy the Chuckanut Mountains the road goes through.

You can choose to stop along the way and enjoy the view of San Juan Islands or take advantage of the hiking and mountain-biking trails up into the Chuckanut Mountains. In addition to this you can even go down to the shore as there are several trails that lead you there. And there is even more to do and see along this drive that never seases to amaze the visitors. A must stop is the Chuckanut Bay and you can choose to explore it with a kayak, another one is at Chuckanut Bay Gallery and Garden Shop for those who fancy artworks. You might also want to visit the Teddy Bear Cove and the 2-mile round-trip hike you must follow to get to the cove will not seem so long if you think of the two lovely small beaches you will find there.

Last but not least, the most popular stop along Chuckanut Drive is the Larrabee State Park appreciated for its beach and access to the long hiking trails. But whatever you choose none of your choices will compare to the breathtaking view the sunset lays out, so don’t leave out this chance.

Boasting a varied landscape with a nice bay, breathtaking mountain ranges and beautiful coastline, Bellingham is a top destination that delivers an exhilarating experience.