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    Whatcom Falls Park

    4.8 (134 reviews)
    Open 6:00 am - 10:00 pm

    Whatcom Falls Park Photos

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    The beauty is breathtaking.
    Kat W.

    Stunning! Magical! I visited this park whenI took my first trip to Washington. There are so many places to explore here. The trails are relatively flat, so it's very easy to get around. It's great for anyone! Every path you take leads you to a breathtaking place. From the bright green moss blanketing the trees, to the flowing waterfalls, this is a destination not to be missed.

    Glorious Whatcom Falls! Happy Waterfall Wednesday Yelpers!
    Hannah S.

    Really lovely park near Bellingham with easy hiking trails, numerous waterfalls, playgrounds, picnic areas, and even a trout hatchery to explore! It was a great place to stop and stretch our legs on our spring break road trip from Seattle up to Vancouver. The largest waterfall - Whatcom Falls (aka Whirlpool Falls according to Wiki) - is easily accessible via a well maintained, paved, and quite picturesque bridge that puts you right in front of it. An unpaved hiking trail continues on for a few miles past the bridge and was a tad muddy but well maintained. The falls are only about 10 feet tall but beautiful and quite powerful on our visit from all the snowmelt. Apparently it's a very popular swimming hole in the warmer months. We visited in early March and there was still snow on the ground and pretty cold. There's also a large trout hatchery in the park run by Bellingham Technical College. There are info signs and numerous pools fed by the river - very interesting to explore. I'd love to see it during hatching season! It's free to enter. There's lot of paved parking, clean bathrooms, picnic tables, and it's very easy to find from the highway. Definitely worth a stop!

    Tiffany Y.

    Really loved visiting Whatcom Falls Park. Plenty of hiking/walking trails, paved paths, really lovely falls, and it is hard to believe it's in the middle of Bellingham.

    View of swimming pool
    Stephen W.

    We went here for a hike on a beautiful day. The park is in a suburb of Bellingham. We saw two main trails, one that follows the river and the other that is wider and has been improved. We did the natural trail along the river. You come to a pool where you can swim. If you go a bit farther, it takes you to the main water fall. When we were there, the fall was not running very fast. It is faster in the rainy season. I was impressed that the public toilet was very clean and well-kept. You don't see that very often. Overall, we enjoyed the walk and the beautiful scenery.

    Cherie D.

    Absolutely beautiful!!! I didn't hike very much today as I was with my elderly parents but what we did walk the trails were easy to manage with 360 views. The Pacific Northwest is truly one of the most beautiful places I have seen. Enjoy this park you won't regret it.

    Map
    Brian F.

    This was a nice peaceful park! There are three parking lots at this park: one on the northern part of park and two on the southeastern part. There are a few trails (waterline trail and railroad trail) that span the length of the park and also a couple off-leash permitted dog areas. The good thing about this place is that if you park in the southeastern part of the park, you won't need to walk too far to see the stone bridge and the waterfalls. I'm all for low effort leading to great views! It was very nice with peaceful sounds of the water. There are restrooms, a playground, tennis courts, and a picnic area that you can also reserve for private gatherings.

    Emily T.

    A very beautiful park with an beautiful view! When we came I thought it would be more of a hike hike place but it's actually a well paved park with tons of parking for convenience. The falls is pretty close and you can cross their bridges which make for really nice photo opportunities.

    Ducks paddling out
    Jeremy S.

    A nice park and set of trails with a creek running through the middle. Some gentle waterfalls provide instant relaxation. There are flat obstruction free trails as well as easy but more winding options. A small kid playground by the entry/parking lot is a nice bonus. This feels like more of a suburban park with homes visible next to the trail at times, so you don't quite get totally lost in nature, but it's still a good outdoor option.

    Lori H.

    Absolutely gorgeous falls! We happened upon these while in Bellingham for the day...did a Google search on things to see in the area. We were so happy we did! The falls are a short walk from the parking area. The hiking paths around the falls are either paved or gravel, which makes for easy walking. There's a playground and restrooms available as well. We saw at least three different entrances and parking lots while driving around the park, so if you don't want to have to walk too far, make sure you park at the right one. You can hear the falls from the parking lot of the one closest. Overall a wonderful experience. The falls were flowing beautifully during our visit...made for gorgeous photos! Would highly recommend!

    Donut D.

    Beautiful waterfalls! If you are like me, not a fan of trailing walking/hiking, you will enjoy this park. The walk to see the falls is very short and convenient from the parking lot. I say no more than 5 mins. The falls are beautiful. Your doggy friend will enjoy the nice trails too. There are plenty of parkings spaces and a restroom by the parking lot.

    Kathie s.

    Amazing! Winter, Spring, Summer and fall this park has so much to offer. Whether it is during a good rain or trees providing shade and beauty during a hot summer day-exploring, hiking and taking in the beauty ranks high on my list of how I want to spend my day. There are many trails and the park is so big that you can always find a quiet place to enjoy. Trails are good for all ages and Whatcom falls is beautiful. Love it here! Hope you get a chance to visit.

    Path to the bridge and falls
    Kristin U.

    I adored Whatcom Falls Park! My friend and I went hiking here and spent a couple of hours in the park. The falls themselves are conveniently located right by a parking lot entrance (one of many trail entrances, we'd later find... but I believe this one to be the main entrance). You hear the sound of the rushing water as you walk toward the gorgeous, moss covered bridge. This spot had such a peaceful, romantic feel to it. I could've spent a long time there. We took the trail to the left and did a long trek around that end of the park. The path was fairly easy to follow, though there are a few turn off points that can confuse you if you don't have a map on your phone. Luckily, we did! At one point on this part of the trail, I found what I think was a box of drugs under a bench that a chipmunk was scurrying away from... but I saw no shady characters and felt totally safe on the trail during my time there in the afternoon. My guess is that after dark some of the out of the way corners are taken advantage of. Just something I noted, but it didn't detract from my overall love of this park at all. After we finished that side of the trail, we took a break at the park bathroom -- which was actually pretty nice! -- and then took the right side of the trail. That led us to a pond area that was quite lovely. We spent a few minutes on a park bench there before making our way back out via the bridge over the falls. I'd go back to this park in a heartbeat! It's a beautiful spot for a hike, a picnic, a romantic outdoor date, or a fun family outing with the kids!

    Dirt bike riding path

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    4 years ago

    Fun nature walk with water falls, shade and lots of space. Lots of things to do with the entire family.

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    2 years ago

    Big acreage for being in city limits. Has an off leash dog park to boot. Just gets super crowded during summer months.

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    Whatcom Falls Park Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Whatcom Falls Park

    Are there picnicking areas?

    Yes they have picnic tables and lots of green space that would work nicely for picnics in nice weather.

    Is this park good for baby stroller?

    Some parts are good for a normal stroller. A jogger stroller could go anywhere there.

    View All 4 Questions

    Review Highlights - Whatcom Falls Park

    Within 4 mins of walking you'll come to this beautiful stone bridge, covered in moss, over locking a waterfall.

    Mentioned in 5 reviews

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    Fairhaven Dog Park

    Fairhaven Dog Park

    3.5
    (4 reviews)
    4.5 mi

    Fairhaven Dog Park makes use of the hilly terrain to provide a natural, enclosed area with a cliff…read morethat wraps around half of the park. This isolates it from the street traffic and probably provides a nice noise-free barrier for home owners in the area. The other barrier is a fenced industrial building that you hardly notice because of the trees and shrubs that obscure it from view. If your dog likes to wander off and is not good with name recall, you might not want to take your dog off-leash here because this is not a fully fenced/gated park. There are about 5, free parking stalls on 4th Street. This is also the beginning of a flat trail to the park which winds along a shaded canopy of trees with lush greenery on either side. The short, dirt trail leads you to a wide open area with tall grass. On the perimeter is a crushed-gravel loop that is probably about a quarter of a mile long. Park benches can be found along the way...some in the sun and others shaded by trees. There is another entrance further up the hill on 4th Street, but you have to find street parking. Plus, the dirt trail is steep at this entrance and descends at a 30% grade into the far-end of the park. Not a problem for young spry dogs, but something to consider for seniors with achy joints. There are usually just a few dogs here at any one time, and I've not yet ran into any aggressive dogs or unconcerned, dog owners. Some dogs play with each other in the tall grass, but there is plenty of space for dogs that don't want to play to enjoy exploring the smells in the flora and fauna along the path. I love that this park takes advantage of the natural landscape. The dogs seem to like it too because it provides a nice break from suburbia with an opportunity for both physical and mental stimulation.

    This place is doggy heaven, as there is a wide-open space for them to run endlessly, play chase…read morewith other dogs and fetch with their humans. The only downside is that it's almost always muddy and the terrain is covered with pools of fetid-smelling water that has nowhere to drain. The park is situated at the bottom of a steep ravine that catches all the rainwater. Which might be ok once in a while if you have short-haired dog, or one who enjoys baths! My Romanian Mioritic Shepherd fits neither of those qualities! Archie LOVES running around in the mud or just laying down in a cool mud pool, hanging out. He had a great time but he's heading off to a bath--which he Hates--after playing at Fairhaven Dog Park!

    Photos
    The gravel trail loops around the perimeter of the grassy, play area.
    The gravel trail loops around the perimeter of the grassy, play area.
    The dogs love to run, play and explore in the large, open, grassy field of this off-leash, dog park.
    The dogs love to run, play and explore in the large, open, grassy field of this off-leash, dog park.
    The cliff provides a natural barrier for this off-leash dog park.

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    The cliff provides a natural barrier for this off-leash dog park.
    Nugent's Corner River Access

    Nugent's Corner River Access

    4.5
    (2 reviews)
    8.6 mi

    I've crossed the bridge over the Nooksack River by car and have contemplated stopping to check it…read moreout for years. This weekend, I finally did. If you are headed east on Mt. Baker Highway, turn right just before you reach the roundabout. This single lane road will lead you past the WHS Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, and then the road will turn rough with gravel. Keep going about 50 more yards, and on your left, you will find about 5 parking spots in front of a grassy field. Follow the trail sign and tree-lined path to the water where you will have spectacular views of snow-capped Mt. Baker. The Nooksack river will be flowing pretty fast all year long, but is more calm along the shoreline where you might consider dipping your toes during the summer. The cold river water will feel good on a hot day. Unfortunately, the beach is rocky, so bring some sturdy water shoes for navigating the plethora of pebbles and boulders. Leashed dogs are allowed here too, but I saw plenty running free on both sides of the shore. One dog kept charging and barking at me despite his owner's best efforts to recall and control him by voice. According to one park sign, you can fish here. I'm not sure if there are designated points. I didn't see any bathroom or picnic table facilities, so "go" before you arrive and bring your own blankets, towels and chairs if you plan on hanging out. The park is open from sunrise to sunset which is great for those wanting to photograph the natural beauty of this place.

    I like this hidden little park. There are about 5 parking spots available to use but the location…read moreis hidden from the street so there are seldom anyone here during the weekdays. One thing that I like a lot about this park is the open field adjacent to the river. I have flown my drone around to get footage of the river and mountains and the views are amazing! Plenty of rocky shoreline to relax by the water as well.

    Photos
    Nooksack River
    Nooksack River
    Nugent's Corner River Access
    Nugent's Corner River Access

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    Whatcom Falls Park - dog_parks - Updated June 2026

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