Explore the Outdoors
Hiking and Camping
Walk through tunnels of bowing trees, look out over scattered islands, and sleep beside mountain-cradled lakes.
4th Best College for Hikers
"At this 100-percent renewable energy campus, students work hard to preserve the nature they enjoy. Western Wilderness Trail Corps maintains trails in the North Cascades, and student volunteers spread the outdoor love by taking community members outside with LEAD, an environmental service club."
Backpacker Magazine
Between the Mount Baker wilderness, the 180 acres of forest and 6 miles of trails adjacent to campus, the Chuckanut Mountains and Larrabee State Park, it's easy to see why so many students are drawn to Western for its access to the great outdoors.
The Mount Baker wilderness has spectacular views and scenic trails for new and experienced outdoor adventurers alike. With more than 1,500 miles of trails, there are both meandering pathways and exciting ascents. Grab some friends and climb to lakes as clear as glass, walk on ancient glaciers or spend the night in a cabin perched on top of the world. Go out and enjoy the area’s hiking, biking, camping, fishing and climbing opportunities while the sun shines, the marmots whistle and the wildflowers bloom.
Experience the brilliance of a night sky in the mountains, have a cookout by the Chuckanut's wooded lakes or sleep in an old-growth forest on the Olympic Peninsula. Whether you enjoy hiking in, driving up, or pitching your tent seaside, Bellingham is a short trip from hundreds of beautiful campsites.
No matter what, the Outdoor Center at Western has your back with advice, rental equipment, planned expeditions, and potential trail buddies.
Mount Baker
Grab your skis, splitboard, or snowboard, because Mount Baker holds the world record for most annual snowfall in a single season.
Students get discounted season passes and access to the Baker Bus, for those without cars. Mount Baker also has cross-country ski, snowshoe and snowmobile trails, and a slew of sledding hills. No gear or need a guide? Western's Outdoor Center offers rentals to keep you well equipped, and experienced guides to help you explore beautiful Mount Baker.
Mountain Biking
Beginners to experts, mountain bikers can’t do better than Bellingham.
Galbraith Mountain is a world-class destination, with more than 50 miles of single-track routes that span over 3,000 acres overlooking the city and bay. Lake Padden and the Interurban Trail have mellow cross-country style trails, while Chuckanut Mountain offers technical terrain (roots, rocks, and steeper faces) with 1,600 feet of attainable elevation. Campus clubs, local organizations, and bike shops lead tours for every level of rider.
On the Water
Take a walk on one of Bellingham's urban trails alongside a rushing creek, cut across Lake Whatcom in a sailboat, paddle up to a wooded beach and eat lunch by the sea or explore hidden island-towns by ferry. Bellingham is the perfect port of call.
Rated the “Best Paddling Town in the USA” by Outside magazine, Bellingham's waterways are perfect for intermediate to expert sailors, kayakers, and canoers. Water sports not for you? Experience the unique ecosystem and stunning beauty of countless accessible beaches. The Associated Students of Western Washington University also manages the Visqueen Lodge, an 800 square foot cabin on thirteen acres on the southwest of Sinclair Island in the San Juan Islands.
Visit the Boathouse
Lakes
Bellingham is home to three beautiful lakes. Swim across Lake Padden on a summer day, or jog the two-and-a-half-mile circuit around its wooded shore. Further south, Lake Samish is surrounded by hiking and hosts some of the best canoeing in the county. On the shores of Lake Whatcom, Western's Lakewood facility offers equipment rentals, beach access and fantastic water sports. Boat rentals are available exclusively to Western students and alumni for as low as $6 per day!
Rivers
Bellingham is also rich with many creeks and rivers. Starting at Bloedel-Donovan Park on Lake Whatcom, Whatcom Creek creates a beautiful series of waterfalls. Whatcom Falls Park is a favorite location for Bellingham residents. A short walk south of campus, Arroyo and Fairhaven Parks and the creeks running through them are surrounded by trails and wildlife. In all three of Bellingham's creeks, the annual salmon spawning is unmissable.
Bellingham Bay
Just a short walk from campus, Bellingham Bay is the gateway to the Salish Sea. Make a splash jumping off of Taylor Dock, borrow a paddleboard at the Community Boating Center, or spend a day at the marina. If you'd rather learn about sea life than get your own feet wet, visit the touch pool at the Marine Life Center, or take a day trip to Western's own Shannon Point Marine Center in Anacortes.
Experience Bellingham Bay
Wildlife
From squirrels and raccoons to salmon and eagles, there's wildlife everywhere you look in Whatcom county.
Marine Life
Between the Bay, the lakes, and the rivers, there's marine life everywhere in Bellingham. It's the perfect place to spot seals and otters or help protect habitats.
Campus Critters
You don't have to leave Western to see wildlife; every student can tell you a good story about deer, raccoons, or squirrels.
Quality Birdwatching
If you're into birding, you'll be in good company at Western. We have owls, bald eagles, and all manner of feathered friends right here in Bellingham.
