Bellingham WA: City of Lakes

Bellingham, WA, is home to several scenic lakes offering a range of activities from swimming to hiking. If you are looking for something to do on or near the water, here is where to go.

The first three lakes in this list are the main lakes in Bellingham. All have access points in a public park. Don’t expect to find sandy beaches though. Most have grassy areas to put out a blanket, but minimal beach space and mostly pebbly ones at that.

If you are planning on fishing, please purchase a permit from the Fish and Wildlife Department. For fishing gear check out Yeager’s Sporting Goods.

Lake Whatcom

Lake Whatcom is one of the largest lakes in Bellingham. The main public access point is at Bloedel Donovan Park. You’ll find a swimming area here, restrooms, and boat rentals. Bloedel Donovan also has some beachy areas, including beach volleyball courts.

The lake is long an narrow and powered boats are allowed. Enjoy fishing or waterskiing. If you want to power your own watercraft, you can also canoe or kayak here.

The shoreline near the park has lots of residential properties, but as you move south the landscape is more natural. Evergreen covered hillsides surround the lake. Consider an easy out and back hike along Hertz Trail, which hugs the lakeshore and passes multiple waterfalls to boot. Or take the more challenging Chanterelle Trail from the same location and be rewarded with vistas over the lake.

You can also access the lake from the trails of Whatcom Falls Park.

Lake Padden

If you’re passionate about fishing or if you just want to find a peaceful spot, Lake Padden is ideal. There is a boat launch here, but this much smaller lake is for smaller vessels. In the summer, you can rent canoes and kayaks.

The main access point for swimming is mostly grass with minimal beach.

The lake is surrounded by a relatively easy trail. At a moderate pace you can circle the lake in about 45 minutes, taking it in from all angles. This is one of my favorite walks in the city. There is a little bit of climbing on the south side of the lake, but it is mostly flat for about 2/3 of the loop.

Next door, there is also a lovely public golf course and driving range.

Lake Samish

A little south of Bellingham along Interstate 5 lies Lake Samish. This lake is smaller than Whatcom and larger than Padden. The lake’s scenery is beautiful, and on a calm day, the stillness of the water creates a mirror-like surface. It’s especially lovely when there is a light fog lying over it in the early morning.

Lake Samish is a less crowded alternative, offering boating and swimming opportunities. Access is from Samish Park (note: this park is currently closed through Summer 2025). There is a small beach here, and seasonal boat rentals.

Near Bellingham

These lakes are smaller and lesser known, but worth seeking out. Most are within 20 minutes of Bellingham with the exception of Silver Lake.

Fragrance Lake

Nestled within Larrabee State Park, Fragrance Lake is an welcome reward for hikers in reasonable shape. You’ll need to take a moderate 2 mile hike to get there. This includes some switchbacks and an elevation gain of about 1200 ft., but the serene lake at the end of it plus the viewpoints out over the bay make it worth it. The trailhead is across the street from the main day use and campground parking lot.

Tennant Lake

Located in Ferndale and often overlooked, Tennant Lake offers a unique experience with its boardwalks and nature center. This hidden gem not only provides a relaxing stroll among wetlands but is adjacent to a Fragrance Garden and historic homestead. A lookout tower is a manageable climb for most and offers views over the marshy lake and Mt. Baker in the distance. The lake is closed to public access from about mid-October through January for hunting season.

Toad Lake

Known primarily to locals, this one is not well marked or advertised. This spot is celebrated for its calm waters, perfect for quiet water sports like paddle boarding or kayaking. No motor boats are allowed. Follow Toad Lake Road to the end to access it.

Wiser Lake

While not exactly hidden, as it is split by a major highway connecting Bellingham to Lynden and Canada beyond that, this lake is often forgotten. This small lake is mostly surrounded by residences, however a small public boat launch provides access for small watercraft.

This lake is best for boating and fishing. In recent years, toxic algae have made it unsafe for swimming.

Lakes Near Mt. Baker

Silver Lake

If you are willing to drive a little further, Silver Lake is a lovely little getaway north of the Mt. Baker Highway, near Maple Falls. Campgrounds here are open from mid-Spring to mid-Fall. Boat, fish, or hike. One trail is also horse-friendly. If you are looking for a little escape from Bellingham, or even nearby Abbotsford or Chilliwack, this is a little oasis in the forest.

These next three lakes require a National Forest Pass to visit. Stop at the Mt. Baker Ranger Station on your way up to Mt. Baker or visit the USDA website to purchase in advance.

Lake Ann

This one is located in the Mt. Baker recreation area and is only accessible by hiking. The trailhead is just below Artist Point and there can still be snow here in July. Also note that the road to Artist Point is closed in the winter months. This is a moderately challenging 8 mile round trip hike with a lot of up and down, including about 2000 ft. of elevation gain. That said, as a twenty something that was not a regular backpacker I have managed to do this route twice. It is worth the effort. Wonderful views of Mt. Shuksan greet you in the morning from your backcountry camp site.

Baker Lake

From the Bellingham area, you have two choices to reach Baker Lake. Drive up to the Mt. Baker recreation area and hike. Or, drive down to Skagit County where you can drive. The hike starts out on the same trail as Lake Ann, but branches off down to Baker Lake.

To drive, head east along Hwy 20 towards Concrete, WA. Take FR11/Baker Lake Road to reach the lake. Note that the last few miles of this 26 mi. road is gravel. There are campgrounds around this idyllic lake and it is a popular summer weekend spot for Skagit locals.

Picture Lake

If you have seen pictures of a lake at Mt. Baker, it is likely Picture Lake. It comes by it’s name honestly as it is a popular spot for those making their way up to Artist Point to stop an take a snapshot. There isn’t much to do here other than admire it, and maybe snap a photo. But, if we are highlighting lakes around Mt. Baker then we really can’t ignore it!