Exploring Our City Parks by Bellingham Bike Tour

On a sunny weekday afternoon, the Outdoor Center and National Park Trust teamed up for a local bike tour through some of Bellingham’s favorite waterfront parks and trails. We wanted to help students explore more of the city around them in an accessible, community-oriented way while spending time outside together.

Participants met us at Western Washington University’s Outdoor Center, where we helped fit bikes and helmets, adjusted seats, and chatted while everyone got ready to ride. Before long, our group rolled out from campus and headed downhill toward downtown Bellingham, weaving our way through city streets toward the waterfront.

After a few turns through town, we reached the South Bay Trail, where the scenery quickly opened up into wide views of Bellingham Bay sparkling in the afternoon sun. The trail curved along the shoreline, with salty air, crashing waves, and distant mountain views accompanying us as we pedaled along the water. Many participants mentioned how exciting it felt to explore the city by bike instead of by car, especially on such a beautiful day.

We continued along the trail to Boulevard Park, where people slowed down to enjoy the waterfront views and watch boats drift across the bay. From there, we followed the boardwalk out toward Taylor Dock, pausing to look out across the water and soak in the peacefulness of the bay. The warm sunshine, calm breeze, and sound of waves against the docks made it difficult to leave for long.

Eventually, we continued south toward Marine Park, where we parked our bikes and settled around a picnic table for an afternoon of card games and conversation. For nearly an hour, laughter carried across the grass as groups rotated through different games while trains rolled past nearby and gulls circled overhead. We spotted herons gliding through the marina and nesting along the shoreline, watched dragon boats cut through the water, and cheered on a few determined open-water swimmers braving the chilly bay.

One of the most meaningful parts of the afternoon was how naturally community formed throughout the ride. People who had just met a few hours earlier were swapping stories, teaching each other card games, and planning future adventures together by the end of the trip. It felt grounding to slow down and spend time outdoors together during a busy point in the school quarter.

When it was finally time to head back, we took a new route through Fairhaven and several quiet neighborhoods lined with gardens, historic buildings, and blooming spring flowers. Riding back toward campus in the golden afternoon light gave us one last opportunity to appreciate how connected Bellingham’s parks, trails, and neighborhoods truly are