Recreational Activities
Parks
PARKS – INFORMATION
Whatcom County
Bellingham Parks and Recreation
For Bellingham park information. Located at: 3424 Meridian Street (headquarters). Phone: (360) 676-6985. Offers approximately 10 outstanding community parks, and many neighborhood parks featuring, woods, waterfront, lakes, waterfalls, trails, sports facilities, and play equipment. Pick up a “Parks, Trails, and Natural Areas” map at the Visitors Bureau or Parks Department. For more information, please visit: www.cob.org/government/departments/parks/index.aspx
Whatcom County Parks and Recreation
For County park information. Located at: 3373 Mt. Baker Highway (headquarters). Phone: (360) 733-2900. Offers 10 scenic and educational parks featuring lakes, rivers, woods, marshlands, beaches, trails, and historic landmarks. In addition there is a shooting range, and a historic home used for art exhibits and classes. Pick up a guide at the Visitors Bureau or County Parks Department. For more information, please visit: www.co.whatcom.wa.us/parks/index.jsp
Skagit County
Skagit County Parks
For more information, please Visit: http://washington.hometownlocator.com/features/cultural,class,park,scfips,53057.cfm
Island County
Camano Island Park
For more information, please visit: http://www.parks.wa.gov/parkpage.asp?selectedpark=Camano+Island
South Whidbey Park
For more information, please visit: http://www.parks.wa.gov/parkpage.asp?selectedpark=South+Whidbey
San Juan County
Moran State Park/Obstruction Pass State Park
For more information, please visit: http://www.sanjuanislandsdirectory.com/Moran%20State%20Park%20Orcas%20Island.htm
San Juan County Parks
For more information and phone reservations please call (360) 378-1842 (hours vary) or visit: www.sanjuanco.com/parks
San Juans Marine State Parks
San Juans Marine State Parks - island parks are Blind Island, Clark Island, Doe Island, James Island, Jones Island, Matia Island, Patos Island, Posey Island, Stuart Island, and Sucia Island. Accessible by private boat or charter boats only. There are campsites and mooring buoys, some have docks. There are no docks at Blind Island, Clark Island, Patos Island, Posey Island. There are no moorage or camping reservations. Fees are charged at some parks from May through Labor Day. Fresh water, where available, is very limited; plan to bring water with you. Washington State Parks for more information please visit: www.sanjuanislandsdirectory.comSan Juan /island_marine_parks.htm
PARKS
Whatcom County
Arroyo Park
Located on Old Samish Road just off Chuckanut Drive, Bellingham, WA. A delightful 38 acres of woodland in the cool gorge of Chuckanut Creek. A peaceful place to watch birds and listen to the soothing sounds of the creek swirling around mossy boulders. The park is bisected by the Interurban Trail, which leads hikers and bikers south from Bellingham to Larrabee State Park. Bellingham, WA. For more information, please visit: www.cob.org/services/recreation/parks-trails/arroyo-park.aspx
Bloedel-Donovan Park
Located at: 2214 Electric Ave., Bellingham, WA. 12 acres on the north end of Lake Whatcom, with a guarded swimming beach, paddleboat rental and miniature golf in the summer. There is also a public boat launch and a field house used for many community events. For more information, please visit: www.cob.org/services/recreation/parks-trails/bloedel-donovan-park.aspx
Boulevard Park
Located at: South State Street and Bayview Drive, Bellingham, WA. A popular spot to get down to the saltwater. A boardwalk and small pier provide some crabbing and fishing access. Volleyball, Frisbees and kite flying are the order of the day in good weather. For more information, please visit: http://www.cob.org/services/recreation/parks-trails/boulevard-park.aspx
Civic Field Complex
Located at: Lakeway Drive and Orleans Street, Bellingham, WA. Municipal indoor swimming pool, skating rink, football-soccer-track stadium with 5,000-seat grandstand, Joe Martin Field baseball diamond where Ken Griffey Jr. played as a member of the now-departed Class A-Bellingham Mariners. For more information, please visit: http://www.cob.org/services/recreation/parks-trails/civic-athletic-complex.aspx
Cornwall Park
Located at: 2800 Cornwall Ave., Bellingham, WA. Sixty-five mostly forested acres with fitness trail, picnic shelter, wading pool, playgrounds, restrooms, tennis courts, horseshoe pits and rose garden with 100 varieties. For more information, please visit: http://whatcom.kulshan.com/Washington/Whatcom+County/Bellingham/Fountain-Meridian/Outdoors/Cornwall+Park.htm
Fairhaven Park
Located at: 107 Chuckanut Drive, Bellingham, WA. Padden Creek ripples through this wooded park, which also features playground equipment, tennis courts, a basketball court, picnic shelters, restrooms, wading pool, large playfields and rose garden. For more information, please visit: http://whatcom.kulshan.com/Washington/Whatcom+County/Bellingham/Chuckanut+Drive/Outdoors/Fairhaven+Park.htm
Interurban Trail
Trails are located throughout the area. Suggested walks: From Bellingham's Old Fairhaven Parkway, to Larrabee State Park, Bellingham, WA. Walk or bike from Bellingham's Old Fairhaven Parkway to Larrabee State Park on a trail that follows the route of the long-gone Interurban trolley cars. For more information, please visit: www.co.whatcom.wa.us/parks/trails/interurban.jsp
Lake Padden Park
Located at: Samish Way, Bellingham, WA. An 1,008 acres wrapped around a lovely trout-stocked lake encircled by a 2.6 mile trail. Supervised swimming, with restrooms and showers. Picnic shelters, playground equipment, small boat launch, (no motors), rental of kayaks, wind surfboards and paddleboats in season. Also tennis courts, baseball diamond and municipal golf course. For more information, please visit: www.cob.org/services/recreation/parks-trails/lake-padden-park.aspx
Larrabee State Park
Located off Chuckanut Drive, Bellingham, WA. To the north, rocky shoreline with sandstone cliffs sculpted by wind and water. To the east, forested hills, with a scenic overlook accessible by car and the Fragrance Lake trail for hardy hikers. To the south, a sandy stretch of shoreline called Clayton Beach, which requires a scramble down a rocky, muddy trail. For more information, please visit: http://www.parks.wa.gov/parkpage.asp?selectedpark=larrabee
Maritime Heritage Park
Located at: 1600 C St., Bellingham, WA. Concrete tanks that were once a city sewage treatment plant have been transformed into a salmon and steelhead hatchery. Exhibits explain the salmon's astounding life cycle. And every fall, the big fish return to the hatchery near the mouth of Whatcom Creek, and fishermen jostle for a chance to hook one. For more information, please visit: www.planetware.com/bellingham/maritime-heritage-park-us-wa-bmc.htm
Pine and Cedar Lakes
Starts on Old Samish Way, Bellingham, WA. Two picturesque little ponds, reached via a steep trail through woods that starts on Old Samish Way. The five-mile round trip includes a short side trip to a viewpoint that overlooks the saltwater and islands beyond. For more information, please visit: www.co.whatcom.wa.us/parks/trails/pincecedar.jsp
Samish Park
Located at: North Lake Samish, Bellingham, WA. Swimming and picnicking on the shores of Lake Samish, with a large picnic shelter. Paddle boats for rent in season. For more information, please visit: www.co.whatcom.wa.us/parks/samish/samish.jsp
Sehome Hill Arboretum
Located on Sehome Hill, Bellingham, WA. For decades this 165-acre woodland next to the Western Washington University campus has been a favorite vantage point to look out over the city, the bay and the islands beyond. You can drive to a parking lot not far from the summit, but arboretum lovers recommend starting at the edge of the woods for a vigorous walk to the wooden observation tower that overlooks the city. For more information, please visit: www.cob.org/services/recreation/parks-trails/sehome-arboretum.aspx
Silver Lake Park
Bellingham, WA. A favorite fishing hole north of Maple Falls, with rowboats for rent in season; swimming beach. Ospreys are often seen soaring along the steep, forested shoreline. Six cabins available for rent; there is also a campground. For more information, please visit: www.co.whatcom.wa.us/parks/silverlake/silverlake.jsp
Whatcom Falls Park
1401 Electric Ave., Bellingham, WA. This park preserves the pristine upper stretches of Whatcom Creek, which includes several waterfalls. Lots of hiking trails. Fishing areas above the main falls are reserved for kids only. Also a trout hatchery, restrooms, picnic shelters, playground equipment and tennis courts. For more information, please visit: http://whatcom.kulshan.com/Washington/Whatcom+County/Bellingham/Lakeway-Electric/Outdoors/Whatcom+Falls+Park.htm
Skagit County
Skagit County Parks
For more information, please Visit: http://washington.hometownlocator.com/features/cultural,class,park,scfips,53057.cfm
Island County
Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve
is located in the heart of Whidbey Island. The first historical reserve in our nation, Ebey’s Landing includes 22 square miles of a cultural landscape. Within the Reserve boundaries is the historic town of Coupeville, working farms, scenic open space, hiking trails, and two state parks. A unit of the National Parks Service, the Reserve was established in 1978 by Congress “to preserve and protect a rural community which provides an unbroken historic record from…19th century exploration and settlement in Puget Sound to the present time.” The vistas, woodlands, and fertile prairies of the Reserve are much the same today as they were over 100 years ago when New England sea captains were drawn to Penn Cove and farmers to Ebey’s Prairie. We welcome you to explore the Reserve and visit the parks and public use areas. National Park Service passports can be stamped at the Coupeville Visitor Information Center @ 107 South Main and the Island County Museum in Coupeville, located at the corner of Front Street and Alexander, the museum is open Monday through Saturday 10am-5pm and on Sunday from 11am-5pm. Coupeville Town Hall also has a passport station at 4 NE 7th Street, just north of the Courthouse. Town Hall is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Passports can also be stamped at Ft. Ebey State Park, at the Light House at Ft. Casey State Park and at our administrative offices located by Sunnyside Cemetery.
Fort Ebey State Park
– Coupeville, 400 Hill Valley Drive, Coupeville, WA 98239, Phone: 360-678-4636, Email: fort.ebey@parks.wa.gov, Web Site: www.parks.wa.gov
Admiralty Head Lighthouse
– Coupeville, 128 Engle Road, Coupeville, WA 98239, Phone: 360-240-5584, Email: gloriaw@wsu.edu, Web Site: www.admiraltyhead.wsu.edu
San Juan County
Eagle Cove Beach
Park at trailhead off Cattle Pt. Rd. - walk to beach. For Day Use Only. No facilities. For more information and phone reservations please call (360) 378-1842 (hours vary) or visit: www.sanjuanco.com/parks
EGG LAKE
Fish and bird watch. For day use only. No Facilities. Dock and Launch Ramp on Egg Lake Road. No gas motors. For more information and phone reservations please call (360) 378-1842 (hours vary) or visit: www.sanjuanco.com/parks
Cattle Point Lighthouse
Walk over windswept fields to the Lighthouse. Picnic on the beach or, on a rainy day, in the restored Coast Guard Radio Station. For day use only, picnic tables and privies. For more information and phone reservations please call (360) 378-1842 (hours vary) or visit: www.sanjuanco.com/parks
Fourth of July Beach
Wade in Griffin Bay on a warm day, picnic, or fly kites or Frisbees in the large grass field. For more information and phone reservations please call (360) 378-1842 (hours vary) or visit: www.sanjuanco.com/parks
Jackson Beach
Picnic and go wading, Sandy beach, play volleyball, skimboard. For Day Use Only. Boat Launch Ramp. For more information and phone reservations please call (360) 378-1842 (hours vary) or visit: www.sanjuanco.com/parks
Lime Kiln State Park
Prime Whale Watching Site. Hike trail to lookout points - see the displays describing whales, porpoises and dolphins .Walk the high bank trail to Lime Kiln Lighthouse and return on a path under fir, cedar and madrone. For Day Use Only - High rocky banks - no beach. Drinking Water. Picnic Tables Privies. For more information and phone reservations please call (360) 378-1842 (hours vary) or visit: www.sanjuanco.com/parks
Moran State Park
Moran State Park is the largest public recreation area in the San Juan Islands. Mount Constitution in Moran State Park is the highest mountain in the San Juan Islands. There are several locations on the drive up the mountain, to view the San Juan Islands archipelago, and a viewing tower at the top of the mountain, the view is noted for being one of the seven most scenic views in the world. Moran State Park is located six miles from Eastsound on Orcas Island in San Juan County. Acreage 5,175.51 acres with 1,800 feet of saltwater shoreline and 45,300 feet of freshwater shoreline on 171 acre Cascade Lake, 198 acre Mountain Lake, 8 and 3 acre Twin Lakes, 12 acre Summit Lake, Creeks, Moran State Park acreage includes 2,409 foot high Mt. Constitution, which affords a 360 degree view of the San Juans, the Cascades & Olympic Mountains, Northern Puget Sound and Vancouver Island B.C. Rainfall averages 27.18 inches a year. Moran State Park offers many activities, picnicking, camping, swimming, environmental learning center, hiking and nature trails, boat launch, fishing, and scenic views from the top of Mount Constitution. A vehicle parking permit is no longer required for day visits. Location: 3572 Olga Road, Olga, WA, 98279. Camping reservations: (888) 226-7688, Information: 360-376-2326 or visit: www.parks.wa.gov/parkpage.asp?selectedpark=Moran
Mt. Finlayson – Nature Trail
Hike the trail up 290' Mt. Finlayson - see American and Canadian mountains on the horizon, seascape below; return on the nature trail above Jakle's Lagoon. For more information and phone reservations please call (360) 378-1842 (hours vary) or visit: www.sanjuanco.com/parks
Obstruction Pass Park
Obstruction Pass Park, located on Orcas Island was previously a DNR Park, in 2002 Washington State Parks newly acquired Obstruction Pass Park and is now maintained by the Washington State Parks / Moran State Park. Obstruction Pass Park is approx. 4 mi. from Moran State Park just past Olga there is a Y in the road with a sign pointing the way to the right, this road Obstruction Pass Road leads you to Obstruction Pass Park located approx. 1 mile from the turn off is Trailhead Road the well traveled dirt road to the Park, if you stay on Obstruction Pass road it will lead you to the only public Boat Launch ramp on Orcas Island at Obstruction Pass Bay and to Lieber Haven Resort & Marina. The campground at Obstruction Pass Park offers 11 hike in primitive campsites on 80 acres, camping is near its cove 400 ft. shoreline, there is parking & 3 boat moorings for those of you who arrive by boat. Be sure to contact Moran State Park for further information and reservations. For more information, please call: 360-376-2326, 800-452-5687 or visit: www.parks.wa.gov/parks/regislands.asp
euben Tarte Picnic Area
Roadside parking - walk down steep trail to a pebble beach. For Day Use Only. No facilities (privies). For more information and phone reservations please call (360) 378-1842 (hours vary) or visit: www.sanjuanco.com/parks
San Juan County Park
Pebble beach, woods, trails, snorkeling, diving, views of the Olympic Mountains, whales and Victoria, British Columbia. A public park, overnight camping, picnic tables, restrooms, drinking water, 20 campsites (No RV hook-ups). Boaters - launch ramp, first come, first served for any unreserved spaces. For more information and phone reservations please call (360) 378-1842 (hours vary) or visit: www.sanjuanco.com/parks
San Juan Island National Historical Park
Includes the American Camp and English Camp, plus the Friday Harbor visitor center. In 1859 an American shot an Englishman's pig which kept breaking through a fence and rooting in his potato patch. This incident erupted into the Pig War, an international dispute over whether Great Britain or the United States owned the islands of what is now San Juan County. From 1860-72 both countries occupied the island - the American Army at American Camp and the Royal Marines at English Camp. The Pig War was conducted in a very civilized manner at conference tables with final arbitration by Kaiser Wilhelm I of Germany awarding the island to the United States. Thus the only casualty of the war was - one pig! And that's the story behind the island's two largest parks, American Camp and English Camp (also called British Camp). American Camp features: 1220 acres - 5 miles of beach - Day Use Only, picnic tables, fire pits, privies, pluffs, lagoon, sand, driftwood and Interpretive Center at Entrance (Get map here for unique hikes). English Camp features: a formal garden, 1860's guardhouse, the parade ground now home to wild turkeys , Canada geese, 530 acres - 2 miles of shoreline - Day Use Only, picnic tables, privies, boaters - small dinghy dock - anchor in Garrison Bay, barracks - Visitor information and slide program. Within the park: Bell Point - Saunter wooded trail to Bell Point on Westcott Bay; British Cemetery - Visit this grassy knoll with sheltering trees; Mt. Young Hike up 650' and feel on top of the world.
South Beach
Walk the beach, find a tide pool, marvel at the complexity of life in a small hollow of rock, or hike a 3/4 mile trail on the bluffs to the Hudson's Bay Farm site above Grandma's Cove. For more information and phone reservations please call (360) 378-1842 (hours vary) or visit: www.sanjuanco.com/parks
Sportsman’s Lake
Fish or bird watch. Launch ramp on Roche Harbor Road only access to lake. For Day Use Only, No facilities. For more information and phone reservations please call (360) 378-1842 (hours vary) or visit: www.sanjuanco.com/parks
Turn Point Park
Launch kayaks/canoes only - carry from the parking area. For Day Use Only. No facilities. For more information and phone reservations please call (360) 378-1842 (hours vary) or visit: www.sanjuanco.com/parks
Westcottbay Sculpture Park
An exhibit of over 70 sculptures located on 19 open acres. Available for Wedding and Events. Located next to Roche Harbor Resort. For more information and phone reservations please call (360) 378-1842 (hours vary) or visit: www.sanjuanco.com/parks