Bellingham is a biker’s paradise but, as a beginner, all the options can make it difficult to decide where to start. The city is certainly bike-friendly (in more ways than one), so now is the time to dust off that old two-wheeler that’s been sitting in your garage for the last couple of years.
If you’re looking to get into trail riding, street cycling or mountain biking, here are some options that may make the beginner process a bit easier.
Casual trail riding
Interurban Trail (varying lengths, out and back)
The Interurban Trail is among the most popular in Bellingham because of its path through urban greenways while connecting a pair of the city’s most popular parks: Marine Park and Larrabee State Park.
Views of Bellingham Bay and the San Juan Islands highlight the path which runs along the historic Bellingham and Skagit Interurban Railway, an electric railway that ran between Mount Vernon and Bellingham from 1912–30.
The trail begins about two-tenths of a mile up the North Chuckanut Mountain Trailhead off Chuckanut Drive.
South Bay Trail (5 miles, out and back)
Ever wonder where all those bikers at Boulevard Park are coming from? They’re probably riding the South Bay Trail, which runs from Taylor Dock to the south edge of downtown Bellingham by Boundary Bay Brewery and the Depot Market Square.
It’s only a short ride from the end of the Interurban Trail at Marine Park in Fairhaven, which makes for a spectacular longer ride. The majority of the South Bay Trail runs right along Bellingham Bay, providing riders and walkers with some of the best views of any trail in Whatcom County.
Ample parking is available along 10th Street right by the entrance to Taylor Dock where the trail begins.
Hertz Trail at Lake Whatcom Park (6.2 miles, out and back)
The Hertz Trail is the easiest of the three major trails at Lake Whatcom Park — the other two being variants of the Chanterelle Trail. With only 100 feet of elevation gain, the route is mostly flat with views of the lake, mountains and waterfalls.
This is one of the best multi-use trails in Whatcom County, and perfect for the beginner or casual bike rider. Arrive at the trailhead by following the Northshore Road loop to Lake Whatcom Park where a parking lot sits at the intersection of the street and the Wickersham Truck Trail.
Marine Park to Connelly Creek (6 miles, out and back)
This is another option at one end of the Interurban Trail and is slightly more challenging than some of the previous options. Beginning at Marine Park will implement some uphill portions during the ride, meaning some downhill fun on your way back.
The route is majority trail-bound, with some short sidewalk/bike lane riding and street crossings included. Whatcom Smart Trips has an excellent step-by-step guide to the route on its website.
Beginner street rides
Elizabeth Park to Little Squalicum Park loop (4.5-mile loop)
This is another hybrid ride that includes a bit more required street riding than the Marine Park to Connelly Creek trip. It’s a roundabout route that travels through Squalicum Creek Park and the Columbia and Birchwood neighborhoods via West Street.
Riders won’t find any major uphill climbs. Better yet: If you begin at Elizabeth Park, a beach is waiting for you at Little Squalicum Park. Whatcom Smart Trips also has an excellent step-by-step guide to this route on its website.
Art Ride loop (1.8-mile loop)
If you’re looking for a fun route that includes artistic views other than that of Bellingham Bay, the Art Ride loop is a great option. Beginning at Bellingham Public Library, this loop includes 25 unique pieces of artwork and sculptures along a short, 1.8-mile route.
The loop’s roads are also relatively low-trafficked and run right through the Bellingham Waterfront District. Use bike lanes on streets — sidewalk riding is prohibited in much of the downtown Bellingham area. Another step-by-step guide is available for this route on Whatcom Smart Trips’ website.
Beginner sport/mountain biking
Civic Field Dirt Jump Track
Tucked away on the east side of the Civic Athletic Complex is the Civic Field Dirt Jump Track, which offers some jumps and routes for all skill levels.
Jumps at the track are as small as 2 feet and as large as 7 feet. The course is maintained by the Whatcom Mountain Bike Coalition (WMBC) and, at times, might be less packed than the Waterfront Pump Track, which also has quality beginner areas to get your bearings.
Beginner mountain biking options
Galbraith “green trails” – Galbraith Mountain has 47 beginner trails, which are coded on Trailforks (a must-have smartphone app for navigating the mountain) as green difficulty. Most of these are to the west side of the mountain off the main entrance trail from the parking lot. Trailforks has a detailed map of the mountain and its trails.
The Lost Giants and Bunny trails are a great place to start, said WMBC Executive Director Eric Brown. Once you’re feeling good there, head over to the Cedar Dust Skills Area with another green line to help you improve your skills, Brown added.
Hundred Acre Wood – Located just off the aforementioned Interurban Trail, the Hundred Acre Wood has more beginner trails than intermediate. It’s tough to say if it will routinely be less packed than Galbraith, but you will not have as great a chance of getting lost in Galbraith’s trailhead labyrinth.
Other biking resources
Bellingham.org: The Visit Bellingham website has a plethora of other options including trail guides, event listings, and skill instruction courses at your disposal.
Interactive bike map: The City of Bellingham has compiled an interactive map that can help you create your own loops and rides, or just be a guide to where you can find easy access to bike-friendly roads.
Whatcom Mountain Bike Coalition: The WMBC sponsors events, bike clubs and much more around the county. The organization also helps maintain Galbraith and many other local bike spots around Bellingham.
