Must Visit: Little Squalicum Pier
Little Squalicum Pier (2026) with a Kiteboarder in the background!
One of my newest favorite wanders has easily become Little Squalicum Pier! Which extends 1,248 feet into the bay, making it the longest, public pier in Washington state and the longest on the West Coast, right here in Bellingham! Located at 640 Marine Dr, Bellingham, WA 98225 and open daily from 6AM - 10PM it is one of the best pit-stop, date idea, sunny day adventures you could choose to do.
Now the Pier even has lights that you can see from all over town! The wild thing about this Pier is you get to the starting point and, I won’t lie, it doesn’t seem like it is that long or that impressive. It’s just a fancy dock… But somehow as you keep walking you find yourself… still walking, still walking until you feel like you’re in the middle of the Bay and then you’re about half way to the end.
Just look at it in this aerial map!
How crazy is that? It’s truly so long! There is a bit of a nature walk to get to the pier but I have seen folks of all ages and abilities make it to the pier. I can’t attest to how accessible it really is at the end of the day beyond my own observations. However, the City of Bellingham seems to have developed some short-cuts from the parking area to get you basically right to the pier.
We usually park at the little lot when you turn right off Marine Drive. Then you have two options, there is a shorter, steeper route that recently opened you can go down or if you keep walking there there is a flatter option and the third and further option is the Dog Off Leash Path. I truly adore seeing all the dogs in this area. I’m sure there is some mischief that occurs but for the most part I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how polite and well-trained the dogs I’ve seen in this area are.
One of my other favorite creatures I keep an eye out for are the Blue Heron nests right above! Dogs below, birds above! In this area, there is the Little Squalicum Estuary as well. I love seeing the Great Blue Heron nesting area located in the trees along the path, keep an eye out for that established heronry!
Path up to the Little Squalicum Pier.
Left to the Beach. Right to the Pier.
I love this walk because it is covered by trees and easy to navigate and wide enough for pups and passerby’s to go by without feeling scrunched. Then you arrive at a diverging path. If you take the left, you’ll go down to a low tide beach area and the Pier is to the right.
The Pier has a great view of both sides of the beach and we often see many people doing different recreational water sports! Kayaks, windsurfing, hydrofoils, kitesurfing or kiteboarding! It’s really fun to watch and the amount of air some of the Kite Surfers get is WILD. A bit too high-flying for me!
So, let’s imagine that sunny Bellingham day. We are at the Pier and walking down it. You’ll pass by fellow pier-enjoyers, dogs, kids, bikes. You’ll pass mini wind turbines which are part of an off-grid power system that provides electricity for the pier's pedestrian lighting you can see sparkle on in the evening.
The wind will pick up as you continue further down the pier. You can’t jump off this Pier, it’s to shallow, but the wind keeps you cool. You’ll take in views of Downtown Bellingham, Western Washington University, Lummi, Portage Island. There isn’t anywhere to sit down like Taylor Dock nor is there shade so be prepared as you adventure!
The end of Little Squalicum Pier.
Then you’re at the end! Of course, you’ll need to take your picture at the end of the Pier. Then chat for a minute with friends or stranger or just take a breath and let it all in. Then turn around and be impressed by how far 1,248 feet really is and continue your journey back!
Cross under the train tracks to get to the Pier. Very “Spirited Away” feeling.
There and Back Again... A Pier’s TaleI really have enjoyed the opening of this Pier in our town. You can check out the City of Bellingham’s website to learn more about Little Squalicum Pier: Phase 1, it’s history and renovation project to make it a public space. I have it on my list of Summer Activities to visit the pier at sunset, with it’s lights on, and under the stars! I feel like this space has something to offer any time of day and in any weather condition! If you’re visiting Bellingham or looking for something new to explore, check out Little Squalicum Pier!
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