Lil’ Hikes Near Bellingham

A snap of Oyster Dome from a late summer adventure in 2025.

It’s January as I write this, it’s sunny with a winter-blue sky. Maybe it’s the frosty crystal morning and yellow hue of the sun making me want to be outside right now. But, it’s still a bit to chilly for me to want to spend all day outside. I seriously need a sweatshirt that says, “Keep At Room Temperature,” to cold, I stop functioning, to hot/sunny I burn fast. So, as I admire the sunshine through the window I asked myself: Where are some close hikes in Bellingham? Just short, less than five miles, some elevation gain. Bonus points if I thought up some with water views… So! Here is a little list of lil’hikes near Bellingham!

Oyster Dome from the Samish Overlook

5.0 Mile Roundtrip, 1,050 Ft Elevation Gain

I’ve done this hike many times in different seasons and it’s really rewarding without being too hard. Washington Trail’s Association says Oyster Dome is Moderate difficulty. I’ve seen dogs on the trails, runners, walkers, some hike-experienced kiddos. It really is a nice one with it’s tree covered so I don’t have to worry about being overly sunburnt in the summer and it’s quick enough it doesn’t feel like you have to plan your entire day around this adventure.

Oyster Dome Summary From Washington Trails Association

WWU’s Arboretum

Western Washington University’s Arboretum

3.5 Miles, 1,000 ft Elevation Gain

To really stick close to home and while it isn’t a “hike” per say, it’s still a fun easy wander where you feel engulfed in nature. Plus there is a firehouse tower, which can have some great views. Though, as the trees continue to grow the view is getting hard and harder to see but it’s still a great spot to explore.

Sehome Arboretum Summary from Washington Trails Association

Lake Padden

7.7 miles of trails, 400 feet Elevation Gain

A classy main loop trail that goes all the way around Lake Padden. It’s fun because it has short trails that you can always weave through and if you’re really enjoying the day you can take the “less trodden upper trail.”

Lake Padden Park Summary from Washington Trail Association

Fragrance Lake

4.0 miles, roundtrip, 1,260 feet Elevation Gain

This dog-friendly day hike is so fun! It’s a part of Larrabee State Park and Fragrance Lake trailhead is on Chuckanut Drive which is it’s own fun adventure in a car and worth cruising on each season.

Fragrance Lake Summary from Washington Trail Association

Hertz & Chanterelle Trail

Hertz: 6.2 Miles roundtrip, 100 Feet of Elevation | Chanterelle 4.8 miles Roundtrip, 1,000 feet of elevation gain.

Is a GREAT one! Chef and I found the Hertz Trail because we did basically an “Easter Egg” hunt from a glass-blowing artist, Spiller Woods, hid her works around Bellingham on public trails. Somehow, we lived by this trail in a previous rental, and never knew it existed! You basically walk alongside Lake Whatcom the entire time and can its so relaxing and flat. Then you can decide if you want the elevation and enjoy the Chanterelle Trail which goes up about 1,000 feet. Oh! We did actually find that glass egg on the trail. We felt so cool and it sparkles in our kitchen window sill to this day.

Hertz Trail Summary from Washington Trail Association

Chanterelle Trail Summary from Washington Trail Association

Lookout Mountain Forest / Rufus Creek Trail

Gotta give Sudden Valley some love too! Though, I feel like my friends who live there just walking around can feel like a successful and wonderful hike with it’s mature trees, twists and turns. But several hiking trails exist in that area that are pretty delightful and even have some waterfall views! This area serves as a “choose your own adventure” style hike.

Lookout Mountain Forest Preserve Summary from Washington Trail Association

Olsen Creek Trail

5.0 miles, roundtrip, 1,038 feet Elevation Gain

This is a newer one to me! It seems like there is a multi-organizational partnership of folks including, “ WTA, Whatcom Mountain Bike Association and Back Country Horsemen of Washington” who have, “worked with the Washington DNR to create 7 miles of multi-use trail.” A mostly shady climb with views of the San Juan Islands. Sounds like a great adventure to try!

Olsen Creek Summary from Washington Trail Association

Honorable Mentions that fit the filter:

• Point Whitehorn Marine Reserve - Easy

• Sharpe Park - Sares Head - Easy/Moderate

• Pioneer Park - La Conner - Easy

• Skagit Wildlife Area - Easy

• Deception Pass State Park - Headlands / Rosario Head / Lighthouse Point - Moderate

• Cap Sante Park - Easy/Moderate

• Craft Island - Easy

The Pacific Northwest Spoils us!

There are so many more hikes that you can choose from, year-round that can challenge you. While I am still the biggest fan of flat trails and simple exploration there is something to treasure about climbing, having well-worked muscles, and then being home in time to enjoy a lunch (or late lunch, because I stop to look at everything). Chef also talked about Sauk Mountain — One I didn’t end up adventuring on but I’d like to add that to the list, the panoramic views of Cascade Mountain peaks, the Olympics, and the San Juan Islands sounded stunning. Go far, see fully, remember to check for State or National Park passes (which you can purchase at REI locally!?) and remember to leave only footsteps behind!