Why you should visit Whatcom County!

Located in the northwest corner of Washington State. It is about a 90-minute drive to Vancouver B.C. to the north and 2 hours from Seattle to the south. Whatcom County covers a huge 2500 sq mile area. Two-thirds of that is mountainous.  The County has a population of just 216,000.

Points of Interest and Fun Facts

Bellingham
The biggest city in Whatcom County. Home to Western Washington University, formally known as Bellingham Normal School. My grandmother got her teaching certificate there in 1929.  You can spend a whole day in the historic Fairhaven District, or take a stroll along the Bellingham Bay. Also get out and experience the many miles of hiking and biking trails connected throughout the city.

Ferndale
It was originally called Jam because the town was located next to a log jam on the Nooksack River. One of the first school teachers in the town changed the name to Ferndale because of the ferns growing along the schoolhouse.  A visit to Pioneer Park is a must with its historic cedar log cabins. It will make you feel like you're in Little House on the Prairie.

Lynden
A quaint little Dutch town founded in 1871 by Holden and Phoebe Judson. Phoebe started the Northwest Normal School in 1886 which eventually became what is known today as Western Washington University. At one time Lynden held the world record for most churches per square mile and per capita.

Mt. Baker
Take a drive up to Artist Point at the end of Mt. Baker highway. Explore the miles of hiking trails in the Mt. Baker wilderness.

Larrabee State Park
Located just outside of Bellingham, it became Washington's first State Park when Charles Larrabee donated 20 acres of land in 1914.

Birch Bay State Park
It is near Blaine with over 8000 feet of saltwater shoreline.

Peace Arch State Park
Located on the border of Washington and Canada.

North Cascades National Park
Can you believe we have our own National Park?  Its surrounded by mountain peaks, beautiful waterfalls, and trails to explore.

Newhalem
This is a small town owned by Seattle City Light and populated entirely by employees of the Skagit River Hydroelectric Project. The employees help operate the Gorge, Diablo, and Ross Dams that provide electric power to Seattle and surrounding communities.  

Point Roberts
This is a land enclave that is interesting to get to. You have to cross the Canadian border twice to get there. I heard that it is one of the safest places to live. 

These are just a few of the many wonderful places to see and visit in beautiful Whatcom County.