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Lake Whatcom – Railroad Trail Bridge loop from Agate Bay

Lake Whatcom – Railroad Trail Bridge loop from Agate Bay

Moderate

2.7

(13)

riders

Lake Whatcom – Railroad Trail Bridge loop from Agate Bay

01:18

30.6km

190m

Road cycling

Moderate road ride. Great for any fitness level. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

Last updated: April 20, 2026

Tips

The surface along some of this route may not be suitable

Some segments of your route comprise a surface that may not be suitable for your chosen sport.

After 19.1 km for 108 m

After 19.2 km for 108 m

After 20.9 km for 104 m

Waypoints

Start point

Restaurant

Get Directions

4.81 km

North Shore Road along Lake Whatcom

Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway

North Shore Road is a quiet road that dead-ends in a residential neighborhood. In addition to having a low amount of traffic, you can ride along the Whatcom Lake shore up until you get into Lake Whatcom Park.

Tip by

18.8 km

Lake Whatcom

Highlight • Lake

Lake Whatcom is a large lake that is 10 miles long and 1 mile wide. It is the drinking water source for Bellingham.

The lake is a popular area for motor boating, swimming, fishing, and other recreational activities.

Tip by

19.2 km

Railroad Trail Bridge

Highlight • Bridge

Beautiful bridge along the Railroad Trail. The trail is built along an old railroad bed and this bridge is one of the old rail bridges. Now it is only open to walkers and cyclists.

Tip by

20.9 km

Derby Pond

Highlight • Lake

Hikers can head north along Whatcom Creek to reach the fish hatchery. Trout are raised here to feed Washington state lakes, streams and ponds (including nearby Derby Pond). Watch for ducks at the peaceful pond before continuing north to check out the old railroad trestle.

Tip by

27.6 km

Agate Bay Preserve

Highlight • Forest

Agate Bay Preserve, covering 480 acres, offers visitors views of Lake Whatcom and features a variety of landscapes, including evergreen and broadleaf trees, three ravines, stone cliffs, valleys, and fields. There have been efforts to remove invasive species, roads, and old foundations, giving this wild area a second chance.

Tip by

30.6 km

End point

Restaurant

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

20.8 km

5.39 km

4.02 km

290 m

Surfaces

27.3 km

2.92 km

290 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Weather

Friday 19 June

25°C

11°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 5.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.

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Description

The Lake Whatcom – Railroad Trail Bridge loop from Agate Bay is a scenic road cycling route that offers a taste of the region's beauty, but it comes with a caveat for road cyclists. This moderate 19.0-mile (30.6 km) loop, with 625 feet (190 metres) of elevation gain and an estimated duration of 1 hour and 17 minutes, is best suited for those with a gravel bike or wider tires, as parts of the trail are unpaved.

What to expect on Lake Whatcom – Railroad Trail Bridge loop from Agate Bay

Expect a diverse ride that takes you through lush forests and along the shores of Lake Whatcom, offering continuous lake views. The route passes through the beautiful Agate Bay Preserve, known for its varied landscapes including evergreen trees and stone cliffs. The Railroad Trail itself, built on an old railway bed, provides nice views, especially from the pedestrian bridge at Alabama Street. While the elevation gain is manageable, be prepared for mixed surfaces; some segments are unpaved crushed gravel, which can be challenging for traditional road bikes. This makes it a great option for touring cyclists or those on gravel bikes who enjoy varied terrain.

Planning your visit

The Railroad Trail is a multi-use path, so you'll be sharing it with pedestrians and other users. While specific parking details for Agate Bay are not provided, access to the Lake Whatcom area is generally straightforward. Consider visiting during milder seasons to fully enjoy the lake views and natural areas without extreme weather. Always check local conditions before you head out, especially regarding trail surface suitability for your bike type.

Trail details