Top 19 Lakes around Bellingham

For families, Lake Padden is an excellent choice, offering a park with picnic shelters, playgrounds, and an 18-hole golf course, alongside opportunities for swimming and non-motorized boating. Lake Whatcom also provides family-friendly access at Bloedel Donovan Park, with swimming areas, boat rentals, and beach volleyball. Additionally, Lily Lake is perfect for a gentle stroll and spotting beavers, while Derby Pond is a popular spot for fishing and watching ducks, especially with its connection to a fish hatchery.

Yes, there are many excellent hiking opportunities. The North Lake Whatcom Trail, also known as the Hertz Trail, offers an easy, almost flat journey along Lake Whatcom with scenic views and bridges. For a more challenging hike with stunning vistas, the Chanterelle Trail near Lake Whatcom is a great option. Lake Padden features a popular three-mile loop trail perfect for walking or running. You can find more hiking options in the area by exploring the Hiking around Bellingham guide.

Bellingham's lakes offer a variety of water activities. Lake Whatcom is a hub for summer fun, including swimming, fishing, motor boating, water skiing, canoeing, and kayaking. Lake Padden allows for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing, with a boat launch for smaller, non-motorized or electric vessels. Lake Samish is popular for boating, tubing, wakeboarding, and fishing, providing a less crowded alternative for water sports.

Lake Padden is a favorite among locals for fishing, offering a peaceful spot to cast a line. Lake Samish is also a popular fishing destination. For a unique experience, Derby Pond, located along the Whatcom Creek Greenway, is known for abundant largemouth bass and is a vital trout-raising location.

Yes, the region offers several scenic viewpoints. The Chanterelle Trail near Lake Whatcom provides stunning vistas over the lake. For breathtaking views of Chuckanut Bay, visit Cyrus Gates Overlook in Larrabee State Park, which on a clear day, allows you to see the shores of Canada. The trail system around Lake Samish also offers great views of the lake and its surroundings.

The lakes are surrounded by diverse natural beauty. You'll find lush forests, especially around Lake Whatcom and Fragrance Lake Trail. Whatcom Falls Park, connected to Lake Whatcom, features four sets of waterfalls and a historic Stone Bridge. Wetland areas, like those around Lily Lake, are home to wildlife such as beavers. The glacial origins of Lake Whatcom contribute to its cool, refreshing waters.

The lakes around Bellingham are enjoyable year-round, but summer is particularly popular for water activities like swimming, boating, and kayaking. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and exploring the trails, with vibrant foliage in autumn. Even in winter, some trails remain accessible for peaceful walks, though water activities are less common.

Yes, many areas around Bellingham's lakes are dog-friendly. Whatcom Falls Park, for example, includes an off-leash dog area. Always check specific trail regulations, but generally, trails like the North Lake Whatcom Trail are suitable for walks with leashed dogs. For more options, you can explore the Hiking around Bellingham guide for dog-friendly routes.

For beginners, the North Lake Whatcom Trail (Hertz Trail) is an excellent choice, offering a gentle, almost flat path along the lake. The three-mile loop trail around Lake Padden is also considered easy and provides scenic views from all angles. Lily Lake offers a gentle stroll, perfect for those seeking a relaxed walk. You can find more easy options in the Easy hikes around Bellingham guide.

Parks around Bellingham's lakes offer various amenities. Bloedel Donovan Park at Lake Whatcom provides swimming areas, restrooms, and boat rentals. Lake Padden Park is well-equipped with multi-use ball fields, pickleball and tennis courts, picnic shelters, and an 18-hole golf course. Whatcom Falls Park includes picnic areas, playgrounds, and a fishing pond. While Lake Samish has a public boat launch, Samish Park (currently closed through Summer 2025) usually offers a small beach and seasonal boat rentals.

Yes, Whatcom Falls Park is a significant natural attraction featuring four sets of beautiful waterfalls. While not a lake itself, it's connected to Lake Whatcom via Whatcom Creek. The park offers well-maintained walking trails that allow visitors to explore the falls and lush forests. You can find more waterfall hikes in the Waterfall hikes around Bellingham guide.