Bellingham & Fairhaven
With a population of over 69,000. Bellingham is the largest city in Whatcom County and serves as its county seat. An aerial view of the city is dramatic; bordered by the Puget Sound waters of Bellingham Bay, marked by dramatic hills and dotted by three lakes, Bellingham is a breathtakingly beautiful places to live and work.
Throughout the city, there are neighborhood's that reflect the area's rich history. Resident's of the Eldridge District, originally the community of Whatcom, are proud of their immaculate neighborhood filled with turn-of-the-century Victorian homes. Those located in the former Sehome, from Old Town around the bay to Western Washington University, boast some of the finest bay and island views in the county.
Bellingham's downtown retains that same historic flavor, with specialty shops blending into updated landscape and trees, colorful awnings, food and flower vendors, and inviting cafes and fine dining establishments. There, the Whatcom Museum and Mount Baker Theatre define the cultural district, home to antique malls, boutiques,music and bookstores and galleries.
Lower Holly Street is known as Old Town, where Whatcom settlers Roeder and Peabody first pulled their canoes ashore. This area is fodder for collectibles and antique lovers, and offers a nice collection of restaurants. A few blocks south is Railroad Avenue, site of several bakeries and eateries, microbrewery, and distinctive shops.
The Bellingham Farmers' Market (open Saturdays, April to October) is held on Railroad and Chestnut Avenues. Weekends at the market are a Bellingham ritual - a place to purchase fresh produce, plants and seafood while being entertained by local musicians. You can also explore the Farmers' Market in Fairhaven on Wednesdays and at Barkley on Tuesdays.
Bellingham's waterfront is framed with parks and promenades connected by a seriesof foot and bicycle trails. There are several new luxury hotels and new restaurants along the waterfront, complemented by popular Squalicum Harbor Marina.
At Bellingham's southern end is historic Fairhaven district. Many of the original buildings and brick-paved streets still exist from Fairhaven's exciting turn-of-the-century years. Great bookstores, brew pubs, restaurants and gift shops jumble together create the district's own brand of charm. The Fairhaven Station & Cruise Terminal, located at the foot of Harris Avenue, offers ferry service to Alaska, Victoria and the San Juans. Amtrak and Greyhound bus connections are also available there.
A touchstone to the south side of Bellingham is nationally ranked Western Washington University. The over 12,000 students attend classes each day on a campus accented by a renowned outdoor sculpture collection, the perfect foil to the striking physical beauty.
Amenities like health care and technology rank high in Bellingham. St. Joseph Hospital was recognized by the independent HCIA-Sachs Institute with a year 2000 100 top hospitals for orthopedic care with top honors in fracture repair.
There's a great deal of civic pride in Bellingham. this is a city where it's easy to get involved in the community, whether through business or the home front. It's an area that offers so much in the 'Lifestyle' category that newcomers are often overwhelmed with the abundance of choices. And, it's not just local lore that, once someone moves to Bellingham, they rarely leave.
Lake Whatcom and Sudden Valley
Located just 10 minutes from downtown Bellingham is Lake Whatcom, the largest fresh water lake in the county. Along the lake, luxurious waterfront homes nestle comfortable next to rustic cottages, and the entire community can easily access the lake's waters for swimming and boating at the city's Bloedel Donovan Park.
Following Lake Whatcom Boulevard along the southwest edge of Lake Whatcom you will discover the beautiful planned community of Sudden Valley. Situated on 1,800 acres of prime waterfront and scenic forest land, Sudden Valley is a recreational playground with two miles of unspoiled waterfront, an 18-hole championship public golf course, tennis courts, swimming pools, and miles of scenic walkways.
Birch Bay (POPULATION 2,657)
Located near Whatcom County's northwest corner - Five miles south of the Canadian border, is a small resort community of Birch Bay. The crescent shaped bay is known for its shallow, warm waters and miles of sandy beaches. During low tides in summer, acres of sandbars and tide pools attract shellfish and clam diggers, sandcastle sculptors, and beach combers. There are five golf courses in the area, and Birch Bay State Park is just minutes south of the business district. Several small restaurants, a waterslide, go-kart track and other businesses make Birch Bay a great summer destination. The relaxed atmosphere recalls decades past when the family packed up the station wagon for an extended vacation, an even more appealing option in these busy times than it was then.
Blaine (POPULATION 3,975)
Situated in the northwest corner of the United States on Drayton Harbor, Blaine celebrates its 'Costal Village' status. The last stop before crossing theCanadian border, Blaine is a popular visitor destination where Canadians from Vancouver and the lower mainland are welcomed by local cafes, specialty shops, antique stores, galleries and Duty Free stores.
New Turn of the Century design standards in the downtown core are restoring aspects of Blaine to its 19th and early 20th century profile. Pick up an 'Historic Buildings' walking tour brochure or take advantage of salmon fishing charters at the Visitors Information Center. Walk the beach, watch the abundant marine life, crab on the pier, or take theold Plover ferry across the Harbor to Semiahmoo Spit and enjoy a latte at the luxurious Resort Semiahmoo. This world-class facility includes a 200-room Inn, a private marina (whale watching cruises leave from the dock), a 1,100-acre wildlife preserve, and two 18-hole championship golf courses. Blaine is also home to the Peace Arch, a 6 foot structure that symbolizes the friendly relations between Canada and the United States.
Everson (POPULATION 2,015)
Located on State Route 544, Everson took its name from Ever Everson, a native of Norway who became a homesteader there in 1871. The town is the hub for surrounding farms in the area specializing in dairy cattle, blueberries, raspberries, peas, potatoes, and other crops.
Downtown Everson has completed revitalization with the restoration of some of the original building features and the addition of the turn-of-the-century street lamps. Nearby Riverside Memorial Park, situated on the banks of the Nooksack, is where the mountain bike-to-canoe hand off takes place during Whatcom County's annual Ski to Sea relay race.
Ferndale (POPULATION 8,925)
Originally called the "Big Jam" due to its location near a major two-mile logjam on the Nooksack River, Ferndale is located in a fertile valley along the Nooksack. This quiet community offers sweeping views of Mount Baker and the San Juan Islands. Charming back roads lead to dairy and berry farms, often between tall rows of corn or windbreaks of trees.
The Nooksack River, once the main avenue of transportation into the county, winds its way through the city. Early settlers claimed one could walk across the river on salmon during spawning season. Today you can still enjoy fishing and swimming along the Nooksack.
Ferndale is home to three of Whatcom County's largest employers; the BP Cherry Point Refinery, the Phillips 66 Refinery, and the Alcoa Intalco Works plant provide employment for nearly one third of Ferndale's residents.
Lynden (POPULATION 9,380)
Located in north central Whatcom County on Highway 539/Guide Meridian, this farming community celebrates its traditions of the founding Dutch settlers. Day visitors appreciate the tidy and well-maintained homes and gardens that surround a modern day Dutch village, complete with windmill, specialty shops, bakeries and restaurants. Local grocery stores offer special sections of Dutch foods, and, if you're looking for wooden shoes, you've found the perfect source!
Some of Lynden's special attractions include the Lynden Pioneer Museum and the Northwest Washington Fair. The Pioneer Museum is one of the largest of its kind in the state of Washington and houses some of the rarest collections anywhere. Particularly noteworthy is the Fred K. Polinder Buggy Collection, 40-plus buggies, wagons, carts and other horse-drawn vehicles. The Northwest Washington Fair, held every August in Lynden, is known for its big-name grandstand entertainers, horse races and carnival, attracting more than 200,000 people annually.
Each December, Sinterklaas arrives, riding atop his white horse, to the delight of children lining the streets in anticipation of his appearance. He's accompaniedby Zwarte Piet (Black Pete) and the Lynden Youth Klompen Dancers. A lighted parade is held at dusk on the first Saturday of each December, one of the many traditional celebrations that marks the distinct personality of this charming city.
Many shops are closed on Sunday, but don't miss the opportunity to consider Lynden as a visitor or future resident. Plan a day's visit, tour the lush surroundings and fall prey to the cultural offerings, and you'll understand why the community continues to thrive.
Nooksack (POPULATION 920)
Just east of Everson, the town of Nooksack took its name from the Indian tribe Noot Sach that once inhabited the area. The town grew out of Fraser River Gold Rush era of 1865 and was finally incorporated in 1912, after a series of fires stunted it's growth. For visiting campers, the City provides space at Nooksack City Park, which also has picnic tables and playground equipment. The highly regarded Northwest photographer Darius Kinsey and wife Tabitha are buried here. Well-known Kinsey photographs document early settler life and occupations like logging, fishing, and railroad building. Visit the Whatcom Museum in Bellingham to view archives of his work.
Sumas (POPULATION 1,007)
A popular and busy crossing point at the U.S./Canada border, Sumas's name, meaning '"land without trees", originated from a tribe of Cowichan, British Columbian Indians who inhabited that part of the country. The picturesque Sumas River winds its way just east of town. Sumas serves as the main connection with Trans-Canada north-south Route 1 and the Alaskan Highway, and several businesses catering to Canadian visitors line the main thoroughfare. The border crossing is a popular short cut for outdoor enthusiasts heading for trails and slopes of Mount Baker. Sumas hosts a rodeo each Labor Day weekend where cowboys riding bucking bulls can be seen at the "Bullarama".
Mt. Baker Highway
From Bellingham to the majestic peak of Mt. Baker, the highest mountain in the North Cascade Range, this Highway offers travelers vistas of small farming communities and foothills patterned with forests. Along the route are waterfalls and panoramic views of rivers - all piquing the ardent recreational enthusiast's appetite for the bounty of outdoor options that include hiking, bicycling, bird watching and superb skiing and snow boarding. Mt. Baker also provides Northwest skiers and snowboarders with the longest season (Nov. through April) and the earliest snow in the state.
The communities of Nugent's Corner and Deming are the largest communities along the way, providing visitors and residents with bakeries and restaurants serving 'home cooking', groceries, small shops, a vineyard, berry and Christmas tree farm. The annual Deming Logging Show is popular summer draw.
Other communities include Kendall, Hwy. 547 junction from Sumas; Maple falls, the last stop for gas; and Glacier, last stop on the way to Mt. Baker Ski Area. Groceries, restaurants, pubs, and lodging are available. Check with Forest Service at the Glacier Public Service Center to get current recreational information from Memorial Day through the end of September.
Summer through fall, visitors flock to the Heather Meadows Visitor Center, the perfect spot for launching a picnic at Artist point. From here there are numerous trails that lead to breathtaking views of Baker and Shuksan. It's understandable the region is touted as a Mecca for photographers and artists as well as outdoor adventurers.
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