New Trails From Baker To Bellingham?

The future of non-motorized recreation in the Baker to Bellingham area is being decided as you read this, and we need hikers like you to take action now.

Would you like to see new trails, connectors, and trailheads in this beautiful area? Now’s your chance to speak up! The Baker to Bellingham Non-Motorized Recreation Plan is in its later planning stages and is open for public comment until August 26.

More views like this one will be available with the new trail systems proposals in the Baker to Bellingham plan. Photo by Jacob Power.

Between Bellingham and Mount Baker, the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) manages a number of public lands. For two years, DNR worked with a citizen advisory committee, solicited public input, and identified constraints and land suitability in order to develop a plan for managing and increasing recreation opportunities, including hiking, on those lands for the next 10-15 years.

What’s in the plan?

The current concept map expands aims to expand public access and trail systems at: 

• Stewart Mountain, with trailheads, trail systems, dispersed recreation and connectors to county parks as well as potential new access points.
• North Fork, with trailheads, trail systems, dispersed recreation and connectors
• Red Mountain, with trailheads, trail systems, dispersed recreation and connectors
• Black Mountain, with possible trail systems

Planning area for the Baker to Bellingham Plan. Courtesy of Washington DNR.

The plan shapes a sustainable trail system between Mount Baker and Bellingham. Thousands of hikers, equestrians, mountain bikers and other outdoors enthusiasts enjoy the trails in Whatcom County each year.

Hikers have consistently told WTA that they want to see more trails that connect Lake Whatcom and Mount Baker with Bellingham. This project is a critical step in this process, and WTA supports it.

WTA’S INVOLVEMENT

WTA was involved in the development of the draft recreation concepts and recommended that DNR support a trails plan that would provide ample new trail mileage for all trail users while preventing user conflict. WTA’s Northwest Regional Manager, Arlen Bogaards, serves on the public advisory committee.

WTA has also worked to increase local trails on county lands around Lake Whatcom. As Washington's population increases, new trails are essential to preventing overcrowding of trails and ensuring everyone has a place in the outdoors.

Say Yes to New Trails!

WTA needs your help to let the DNR know you support their efforts to build this sustainable recreation system. Voices like yours help show DNR that hikers want explore this area's trails and future trails.

This comment period is closed but thank you to the almost 150 hikers who emailed DNR!