Super cool! Writing this as a manual wheelchair user who can limp a few steps with assistance. The…read moremain plaza is incredibly well-maintained and paved. The bathroom was accessible and clean. From there, the trail itself is mostly gravel with some uphill portions. Getting up to the main set of buildings was a workout for me, propelling, and another person pushing me. There are two paths, one gravel and the other semi-paved with concrete ridges. I would not recommend getting up there without help in a wheelchair, but it was certainly possible, and worth it in my opinion. The buildings are super cool. The area is surrounded by nature and mountains. We turned back after getting tired, but will absolutely come back better prepared to see some more stuff.

I went here with a group of people from a social group I am in and really enjoyed it a lot! It's…read morethe grounds where the defunct Nortgern State Hospital was. We went by soke run down buildings, one that was more of a food preparation area and they once grew fruit trees there for the facility. The fruit trees can still be seen and at the time we were here were bearing fruit! We also went to some old barns where livestock was once kept for the hospital. Those buildings were very impressive and a bit creepy. To add to that someone in our group went over some of the experiments that went on here as well as possible mishaps that they pulled up online. That definitely added to the creepy vibe. But still it was a very pleasant stroll as we also was in a nice field and encountered a babbling brook. It was a great outing with great company! I'd love to explore the grounds even more as I have a feeling some of the buildings I didn't get to see.

Easy stop for people and dogs. Nice trail. Great little, nearly hidden, spot before you reach the…read moreferry area.

About 6 parking spots 2 picnic tables…read moreStairs/trail down to Guemes Channel Trail Great views!

It's a hike that you must do in the Bellingham area, hell, in the state. It's one of those gems…read morethat everyone talks about - and I know in Washington, everyone talks about hiking trails, but this is one of those that you have to do...if you like hiking and are in the area. We spent a weekend in Bellingham and not gonna lie, Oyster Dome was one of the primary reasons for spending time up north. Located along the Chuckanut Drive on Blanchard Mountain, it's a hike with a rewarding view at the end. So yes, it's worth it. This hike is about a five-mile, round-trip trail with an elevation gain of just over 1000. It's a good climb, but not difficult or challenging. The parking area can get filled up quickly, and you'll likely see many people along the trail and definitely up at summit. It's dog-friendly; we saw a lot of dogs on the trail and brought our little hiker, too. You'll need a Discover Pass to park here and in the lot is where there are restrooms. The hike goes through a forested area, providing tree canopy and cooler temperatures. But some parts can be rocky, especially towards the summit. Descending was worse as it can be sore on your knees, so it felt longer going down than up in my opinion. The views are incredible. You can see the mountains, the valley and even Canada. Pretty amazing.

Yet another great hiking trail we softly explored, to help our toddlers calm down before we headed…read moreback home. Oyster Dome Trail has multiple markers for guidance throughout it. Now that we've all thawed out from the winter, exploring WAs beautiful trails, parks, and landmarks come naturally; investing in a Discovery pass could be helpful. We will definitely return, and recommend!

Awesome ferry ride over to the islands. With Beautiful views. Entering was easy and quick.read more

I only got to visit the American Camp side of this park, but it was wonderful!…read more Driving along Cattle Point Road you'll see signs to enter multiple different sites at the park. I mainly stopped at three locations: Cattle Point Interpretive Area: You can either take the steps down to the pebbly beach to feel more connected to the water, or go up the mossy mound to get a high ground view of... well, everything. I saw water, cliffs, islands, ducks, eagles, seals... unfortunately, no whales, though, prob because this is not the time of year they are around much. Cattle Point Lighthouse: Walked on a cute trail to the lighthouse, where I saw a humongous red fox on a hill, looking like it was digging or pouncing on something! On the other side of the lighthouse are views of miles of open sky and water. South Beach: On the road leading to the beach, we actually saw a black fox just chilling, lying on the road. It moved to the fenced area as we approached, and my gosh it was beautiful. I didn't even know black foxes existed! The beach itself is wide and has views of endless water, with some driftwood hanging out near you. I know there's so much more to the park that we didn't see, but I was quite happy with the wildlife and incredible scenery. Especially the foxes... I've only seen like one other (that I can remember), so seeing the ones here were such a bonus. The trails and sites that we missed are even more reason to return to San Juan Island National Historical Park. I just hope I'm able to come out to this island again someday.

I saw a Lions Park sign from I-5 headed northbound in Mount Vernon and was like, that's where I…read morewant to be. This past Thursday, the 22nd of April and Earth Day 2021, I decided to celebrate the Earth by doing some exploring on foot in Mount Vernon. I parked my car at Mount Vernon Lions Club Roadside Park because I couldn't easily spot if/where the parking lot was for North Lions Park. After parking my car I explored south on the Skagit Riverwalk to the River Jam Memorial and the Skagit Riverwalk Park. After exploring south I made my way north and to the North Lions Park. Walking to the park I noticed a couple of sandy stretches along the Skagit River at the base of a treed area. I got all excited and hopeful that I would find access to the beach in the park. The paths I encountered in the park were dirt paths and relatively flat except at the junction with the beach patches. It took me a few tries to find the right paths that led to the beach, but I eventually found two different beach spots. I sat and relaxed at each spot for a little bit. The sun was out and the trees provided speckled shade. Flowers were starting to bloom and the Song Sparrows had fun watching me from the side of the trail and singing. The water was relatively quiet, no boaters nor big birds in the water here. Tiny minnows did swim in the shallows close to shore. I only encountered one other person while I was here (a little under an hour). The noise from the highway does carry so it is not absolutely quiet. The trails were well maintained and cleanly. Nice place to take in some nature while in Mount Vernon.

Great riverside walk through huge trees. Slight beach access. Good for dogs, dog poop bags are…read moreprovided. A little muddy at parts. Nice grass field. Connects with the other riverside trail going past the playground and old Mount Vernon.

When on island time I love to seek out a high viewpoint. Our hike on Turtleback Mountain had some…read moreof the most breathtaking views we had. There are two parking lots, one at the South trailhead and the other at the North. We took the South Trail to the West Overlook to the Ridge trail and stayed on it to the Ravens Ridge trail and the outside of Center Loop trail to return. The South Trail starts in the woods as it goes up and up to the ridge and mountaintop. The first mile and the early part of the hike were tough, it felt like walking on my elliptical with the ramp all the way up. You'll be quickly rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding islands. Did you pack a lunch or a beer? This was a perfect break spot. Carry on through the woods, fields and cliffs and complete your loop. Wildflowers were blooming anywhere the sunlight found it's way through the canopy. Simply stunning. Take a photo of the map at the trailhead Pack a lunch and beer You're going through the woods and exposed at the top, you need bug spray and sunblock Pack it in, pack it

Second Stop: "A Perfect Day on Orcas island" Collection…read morehttps://www.yelp.com/collection/Bgd9G40BjYMmHuJoM5MpHw Well this is an awesome hiking trail system with spectacular views. We did the short 1.5 mile to Ship Peak. 931" straight up and 931' straight down. That ham and egg omelet was sitting pretty heavy on the way up. LOL We have done other trails and they are all awesome. Check it out.

Imagine my surprise when I tried to check in on Yelp and couldn't find this park. The park didn't…read morelook brand new so I guess folks don't Yelp parks in that neck of the woods. Oh, well. I will. I noticed this park when I was coming across the bridge, crossing the Skagit River. I made a mental note to stop on the way back because it looked like a cool spot. The first thing that was very striking to me was that at 4PM, there were no children playing at the park. I found it very strange to see that my little one was the only one enjoying this park on a beautiful spring day. In the time we were there, two other children came by but that's it. The next thing I noticed was a lack of adequate parking. However, if the park doesn't get much use, they don't need very many spots or perhaps people walk more than they drive in Mount Vernon. The park had the right balance of green grass and trees. I would love to read a book here or run around with my child. I think the best parks have a little something for everyone. The play structures (2 of them) were a mix of modern and retro. The one for the toddlers seemed to be made of plastic that was faded from the afternoon sun. The other one, seemed more modern, with various slides, bars, and levels for even the most active kids. The restrooms are very clean and well kept. I don't know if it's always that way or if no one ever uses them. Regardless, I appreciated bathroom stalls with doors and amenities that were well stocked with supplies. I never saw the boat launch, but I'm positive I didn't make it through the entire 54 acres. I did see a fantastic stage; I would love to see an event there. I found this to be a nice park. I'm not sure why people weren't enjoying it or if they ever do. However, I'd be happy to swing by on any visit to Mount Vernon.

I drove 50 miles here to ride 75 miles bike ride around the tulip field. Call me crazy! At first, I…read morethought I went to the wrong place. I called my friends. And, They were on the other side. Apparently, I entered from one side of the park which has no secure parking spot because it's just outside of the baseball field. I turned around and drove to the other side and met up my friends in front of the public bathroom. The park is within a mile away from Mount Vernon. It looks it's very well maintained. But, the parking area has a lot of gravel. It's also within a mile away from Roosen Garden, the tulip farm. Riding a bike is definitely an advantage beating all the traffic. I am glad that my friend mapped Roosen Garden in part of the 75 miles ride. I believe this is what locals take their kids and family for a nice sunny day. The end of the ride, there were a lot of kids and families out there having picnic or playing.

I can't believe that I'm just discovering this beautiful park on Lake Samish on the far end of…read moreSouth Bellingham. Whatever you want on a hot day you can find at this beautiful family park-swimming, boating, hiking, play ground and picnic area. There is a lodge available to rent, changing rooms and bathrooms, several levels and hiking trails. Plenty of tables in sun and shade. Paddle boat, canoe, row boat and kayak rentals. You can easily spend the whole day here!