Stimpson Family Nature Reserve

I love that there are so many amazing hiking trails right here in Whatcom County. This is one of my favorite hikes so far and I can't wait to go again. So much greenery and foliage. I really love seeing the ferns and mosses growing all along the trail. I spotted several wildflowers like bleeding hearts, buttercups and also some wild mushrooms. This is one of those trails where you just feel like your in a fairytale forest.  It is a beginner friendly hike with a little bit of elevation gain, total length is about 5 miles. It consists of two loops. The main loop is about 3 miles and the smaller one is about 2 miles and circles around the Geneva pond. Since this trail is right inside Bellingham it can get pretty crowded so go on a weekday if you can.

Getting there:  Take 1-5 to the Lakeway Dr exit, Follow Lakeway Drive for almost 3 miles continue onto Terrace Ave N, then continue onto Cable St. turn right onto Austin St. which becomes Lake Louise Rd. Parking lot to the trail is on the left.

Tennant Lake Boardwalk Trail

This is one of the most unique trails I have ever been on. When you first arrive there is a beautiful fragrance garden in bloom during spring and summer. The old Farmhouse on the grounds is now used as an interpretive center with wildlife displays and maps. There is a  50-foot viewing tower that gives you amazing views of the lake and surrounding mountains. The boardwalk trail is a 1-mile loop trail through wetland and marshes.  The trail is Closed October-January for waterfowl hunting season. Public restrooms are on site.

Getting there:  From I-5 take exit 262/Ferndale Main street. Head east on Main street, Tunt Left on Hovander Rd. then right onto Nielsen Ave. 

Point Whitehorn Marine Reserve

This is a great Family friendly hike near Birch Bay State Park. It is located outside of the park so you don't need a discover pass to get in. The trail is an easy 3/4 miles with amazing views of the Strait of Georgia and the San Juan Islands. The whole trail is flat and wheelchair accessible except for the staircase down to the beach. But you can still experience the awesome views without going down to the beach. They don't allow dogs on this trail so you'll have to leave them at home for this one. No restrooms,  but I have seen a porta-potty near the entrance to the trail. I have hiked this trail in both the fall and winter and it is a great hike any season.

Getting there: Take 1-5 N to exit 266 Grandview Rd.  Turn Left onto WA-548/Grandview Rd. Go 6 miles when you reach the traffic circle continue straight onto Grandview Rd. for 2.5 miles continue onto Koehn Rd. Destination will be on the left