Our Area - Lynden, Bellingham & Mount Baker
Our area has so much to offer. Here are just some of the highlights.
- Boardwalk (mostly) along Bellingham Bay from Squalicum Harbor to Fairhaven. Stop in at the bay side Wood’s Coffee for a lovely break at Boulevard Park. Fabulous views the whole way.
- Larabee State Park – About 5 miles south of Fairhaven on Chuckanut Drive. Short trails along ocean bluffs and good tidepools at Clayton Beach when the tide is out.
- Whatcom Falls Park—an in-City big waterfall and multiple miles long trail experience.
- Nooksack Falls up Mt. Baker Highway—glorious, huge falls only a short walk from the parking lot.
- Artist’s Point is a short, flattish and spectacular hike at the very eastern dead end of the Mount Baker Highway (about mile post 58). There are 360 degree views of Mount Shuksan and Mount Baker. The road to this point is usually plowed open late June through mid-July.
Local Activities
Lynden is home to Washington State’s largest Dutch settlement. Upon reaching the four-block span of Front Street, known as Dutch Old Town, visitors are greeted by a 72-foot tall working windmill. There are antique shops, Village Books, and restaurants. The very popular Northwest WA Fair is in Lynden in August. We love Avenue Bread for lunch or 3 miles out of Lynden is Infusion Cuisine for a delicious dinner. Head to the Fairhaven neighborhood for walking around, a little window shopping and snacking. Village Books is a must-stop because it’s one of the best independent bookstores in the Pacific Northwest. Our favorite restaurants are The Colophon Café and Mambo Italiano Café,
Saturday Farmers Market downtown on Railroad and Chestnut, April-October (10 am-3pm). Wonderful outdoor market with fresh produce, crafts, food booths, etc. (Also Wednesday in Fairhaven) Theater: Upfront Theater, founded by comedian Ryan Stiles, has great improv in a comfortable tabletop theater. The Mount Baker Theater, is the largest in town and draws international performances.
Chuckanut Drive, running 20 miles south from Fairhaven, is known as one of the most scenic drives in North America. At the far end, visit the tiny town of Bow, which has a bread market, a cheese market, some little art galleries and good food.
Eagle watching in December and January. Eagles flock in large groups to areas of the Nooksack River. One of the best close up vantage points: at appx. mile post 16 on the Mt Baker Hwy, turn right on Mosquito Lake Road, cross the Nooksack (look for eagles here) and then left on the North Fork Road. After a couple miles, look for a turnout on your left—up close and personal with eagles! As an alternative, take the MBH past the turn for Highway 9 and turn right onto the Truck Road. A little way down is the Eagle Refuge Park.
Check out Schooner Zodiac for a variety of cruises.
Short ferry ride from the Lummi Reservation to Lummi Island. A beautiful place for a day trip. On bike is best—cars are slow and few and the terrain is not too hilly. Check out Whales.com for a great selection of San Juan Island cruises. *Visit Whidby Island, and particularly Deception Pass Sate Park. A dramatic natural and churning sea channel.
Take the train to Canada or Seattle. A beautiful route on responsible transportation.
