Sehome Hill Arboretum Bellingham: trails, views and access

Sehome Hill Arboretum combines a forested hillside, a network of walking trails and a multistory observation tower near the summit. Mature native trees and a geologic outcrop are among the features along the trails.

The summit tower looks out over Bellingham and beyond. The 80-foot tower stands within a trail network whose highest point is 620 feet, with 325 feet of elevation gain. The tower view is best in winter or early spring, when fewer leaves obscure the outlook.

Another point of interest is a tunnel blasted through sandstone in 1923. You can reach it from the Tower Trail via Tunnel Ridge Trail. The arboretum’s paths offer several ways to spend time outdoors, from a walk under the trees to a climb toward the tower and a detour to the tunnel.

Sehome Hill trails include routes to the observation tower, with a mix of primary and minor paths across the hillside. One route uses South Ridge, Douglas Fir and Tower trails to reach the tower; Tunnel Ridge, Huntoon and Fairhaven trails are also part of the network.

The wooded trails are moderately steep and unpaved, with gravel and dirt underfoot. Some paved paths near the summit have slight grades. Primary trails range from 6 to 12 feet wide and minor trails from 1 to 3 feet wide, so the surface and width can vary as you move through the network.

For a tower-focused walk, use the South Ridge, Douglas Fir and Tower trails as your route framework. Add Tunnel Ridge if you want to see the sandstone tunnel, then allow for the terrain as you choose how much of the network to cover.

There are 6 miles of trails, so you can shape the outing around the sections you plan to walk.

You can enter the arboretum on foot from several sides, or drive to the vehicle entrance on Bill McDonald Parkway at 25th Street. Pedestrian access points are at Jersey Street and East Myrtle Street, the northern end of 25th Street, and Allen Avenue and 32nd Street. The main vehicle access and parking are at 600 Arboretum Drive.

For driving directions from I-5, take Exit 252 via Samish Way and Bill McDonald Parkway to 25th Street. The trailhead is also accessible by bus. Bicycles are not permitted on the trails.

Dogs must be on leash except where signs indicate otherwise; designated off-leash areas are marked on minor trails. The City gives the arboretum’s hours as 6 a.m. to dusk. Hours can be important when planning around the vehicle gate, so check the official site before you go.

There is no entry fee or parking pass requirement. Even without a fee, plan for unpaved, moderately steep sections if you’re heading up toward the summit; the paved paths there have slight grades.

Western Washington University sits beside the arboretum, making a campus walk a natural addition to a visit. The City’s trail guide suggests pairing an arboretum walk with a walking tour of the university’s outdoor sculpture collection.

You can make the forest trails the main outing, then continue onto campus to see the outdoor works. A guide to visiting Western Washington University covers campus details such as tours and parking.

The arboretum is about an 8-minute drive from the Bellingham hotel linked above.

If you’re planning more time outdoors around Bellingham, the shoreline offers a different setting from Sehome Hill’s wooded paths. The Bellingham beaches guide can help you compare local shoreline options and plan that part of your trip separately.

Is there an entrance fee for Sehome Hill Arboretum?

There is no entry fee or parking pass requirement.

Can you ride a bicycle on the trails?

No. Bicycles are not permitted on the trails.

What can you see from the observation tower?

The tower near the summit has views of Bellingham and beyond. The outlook is best in winter or early spring, when trees have fewer leaves.

Are dogs allowed at Sehome Hill Arboretum?

Dogs must be on leash unless signs indicate otherwise. Designated off-leash areas are marked on minor trails.