South Bay Trail, Washington, United States
5.0 (60 reviews) Spent Ranking #16 in Bellingham Hiking Trails
Wonderful bayside walk
My daughter and I had just moved to Bellingham and discovered this trail when visiting Fairhaven one day. We were looking for a place to walk and were thrilled to discover this trail. From Fairhaven the trail goes out into the bay across a very long pier which connects to a long sweeping foot bridge that curves out across the water and around a point where it connects to land again. There are plenty of places to sit and a covered picnic area at the end of the pier as well as a small boat dock. We did not go all the way around the point but intend to go back soon. The bay is so beautiful; you can see the islands, sailboats... I can't wait to go back and walk the full length and back again.
Address
E. Laurel St. Boulevard Park, Bellingham, Washington, United States.
Current local date and time now
Monday, May 13, 2024, 10:19
User Ratings
5.0 based on (60 reviews)
Reviews
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5Tom R 5:00 PM Jul 28, 2015
Highlight of my visit
I had some time to kill in Fairhaven so I thought I would explore the trail and get down to the water. I had no idea I would end up OVER the water on a beautifully built walking pier, would find my way to and through a park, and eventually make my way into downtown Bellingham. I'm not sure exactly which part of the whole trail I walked is considered the South Bay part, but there is a little connector link from Fairhaven to the water, then a beautiful trail to the park, that includes the pier out over the water. From the park, you can cross the railroad tracks and it turns into what feels like more of a biking trail, though there were plenty of walkers on it, and all of a sudden, the trail ends in Bellingham. Based on the signage, it seems to be about 2.5 miles long, making a very nice 5 mile round trip walk on a sunny afternoon. There were all types here - kids, couples, families, elderly, dogs. It seems like a popular place to be, with bathroom facilities located on the Fairhaven end and at the park. There is also a nice coffee bar in the park that was quite busy when I passed by. Whoever designed this trail really had a vision and I think, based on the amount of people I saw enjoying it, it has been a rousing success.
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5167adrienne12 5:00 PM May 1, 2018
Really neat coastal trail for families!
Somehow we stumbled upon this gem and couldn't have been happier! I was driving north and happened to look down a street and saw what looked like a trail to the water! We turned the car around and got out and were glad we did! Park right next to the entrance and walk out. You get the feeling like you are just walking out on the water! I would imagine this would be great at sunset as there are benches and even a covered area to stop. You turn right eventually and walk a good distance to what continues on land, but right before there, is a good spot to stop and walk a small beach. The water is chilly, but its calm and clean and you can play in the rocks and beach glass. The bridge is very sturdy and wide and would be easy to use if you had a stroller or a bike. It was a bit windy when we were there, but that didn't deter us!
