Whatcom Falls Park is a City of Bellingham park in Washington, known for its trails, creek and waterfall views. You can pair a walk with a visit to the Stone Bridge, picnic areas or playgrounds, using the park’s two entrances to reach different areas.
- Location: 1401 Electric Avenue, Bellingham, Washington.
- Park hours: Open daily
- Trail options: A one-mile loop or a 4.0-mile round-trip hike.
- Entry and parking pass: No entry fee or parking pass is required for the hike described by Washington Trails Association.
What to see at Whatcom Falls Park
Whatcom Creek, the Stone Bridge and waterfall viewpoints give Whatcom Falls Park its defining scenery, while facilities across the park make it easy to add a longer stop.
The City of Bellingham describes the park as established in 1908. Its brochure explains that water from Lake Whatcom flows under Electric Avenue to the Control Dam, then into Whatcom Creek. The dam dates to 1906 and maintains the lake level within a 2.5-foot range.
Beyond the creek and trails, park amenities include a fish hatchery, fishing derby pond, playgrounds, picnic shelters and tables, barbecue grills, multipurpose fields, tennis courts, an outdoor basketball court, restrooms and an off-leash dog area. Two picnic shelters are available for reservation.
Whatcom Falls Park is about a 1.2-mile trip from White Orchid. Washington Trails Association describes the Stone Bridge as a waterfall viewing spot near its referenced parking area.
Choosing a trail and route
Choose the one-mile loop for a shorter circuit or the 4.0-mile round-trip hike for a longer walk through the park.
One-mile park loop
Visit Bellingham describes a one-mile loop that begins at the Silver Beach Road parking area near the Stone Bridge. The City’s brochure characterizes the trails as predominantly rolling, gravel-surfaced hiking paths, with some steeper grades, and advises staying on the gravel.
4.0-mile round-trip hike
Washington Trails Association describes a 4.0-mile round-trip hike with 50 feet of elevation gain and rates it easy. It also gives the one-mile loop as an option from the Silver Beach Road parking area.
Park trails connect to Bloedel Donovan Park and the Railroad Trail, so check the City’s east and west park maps and trail guide when planning a route.
Bridges, water features and viewpoints
The Stone Bridge is the park’s key creek crossing and a convenient point to combine a walk with waterfall viewing.
The City’s brochure dates the Stone Bridge to 1939 and a railroad trestle in the park to 1916. The creek, bridge and nearby trails can form the focus of a shorter visit; for a longer outing, use the trail guide to see how paths connect across the park.
Choose the Silver Beach Road entrance off Lakeway Drive to reach the creek bridge, picnic shelters, fish hatchery, lower playground and fishing derby pond. The Electric Avenue entrance serves the sports field and upper playground. These entrances lead to different park features, so pick one according to your first stop.
Parking, access and park rules
Whatcom Falls Park has two public entrances, and the right one depends on which facilities you plan to visit first.
For the Silver Beach Road entrance, Washington Trails Association gives directions from Interstate 5 Exit 253 via Lakeway Drive and Silver Beach Road. Its hike listing says no parking pass or entry fee is required. The City provides separate east and west maps and a trail guide on its park page.
Dogs must be leashed except on trails across the bridge, north of the creek, in the dog training and exercise area. Handlers must remove pet waste and carry equipment to do so.
Alcoholic beverages are prohibited. The City’s brochure also marks a sensitive area associated with hazard trees and forest recovery following the 1999 pipeline explosion; follow posted guidance and stay on marked gravel trails.
Before you go: Park hours and access details can change, so check the official site before you go on the City of Bellingham’s park page.
FAQs
Is there an entry fee for Whatcom Falls Park?
Washington Trails Association reports no entry fee or parking pass for its described hike.
Which entrance should you use for the Stone Bridge?
Use the Silver Beach Road entrance off Lakeway Drive for the creek bridge and nearby picnic and recreation facilities.
Are dogs allowed on the trails?
Yes. Keep dogs leashed except on the designated trails across the bridge, north of the creek. Handlers must remove and carry equipment to remove pet waste.
How long is the Whatcom Falls Park loop?
Visit Bellingham describes a one-mile loop from the Silver Beach Road parking area near the Stone Bridge. Washington Trails Association also describes a 4.0-mile round-trip hike.
Where can you find shoreline in Bellingham?
For a separate outing by the water, the Bellingham beaches guide covers shoreline options around the city.