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Samish Park

Address

http://www.co.whatcom.wa.us
673 N. Lake Samish Drive
Bellingham , WA 98226
733-2362

Hours

Every day Dawn - Dusk

Review

Here's the swimming beach at Samish Park.
This small park, located in the heart of the Chuckanut Mountains, provides a surprisingly wide range of things to enjoy. Swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, picnicking, and playground facilities are neatly arranged along the waterfront of Lake Samish. Only minutes from the parking lot is a seasonal waterfall that can be wonderful on rainy winter days. Hikers can enjoy a 1- to 2-mile walk through a mature fir forest that is considered exceptional for its clear understory.

The Northwest-styled landscaping and rustic lodge reflects the resort history of this property. Lake Samish was once considered a remote vacation spot from the Bellingham area. While it is no longer remote, Samish Park's skillful use of landscaping and screening provide a variety of intimate and pleasant areas. More than 40 varieties of rhododendrons, some trained into arches over the paths, provide for a long flowering season. Still, the formal landscaping merges gracefully with the native trees and shrubs of the hillside above the park.

The day lodge is available for rent throughout much of the year. Its rustic wood construction, stone fireplace, complete kitchen, and wonderful views across the lake make this an excellent choice for special occasions and meetings. The beach is sandy with a consistent slope in the swimming area, and though no lifeguard is provided, swimming is allowed year-round. Separate docks are provided for fishing and boating. In the summer, kayaks, canoes, paddleboats are available for rent. The short carry from the parking lot and the usually protected nature of this "small end" of the lake make this a favorite location for many local paddlers.

Whether your interests are swimming, paddling, hiking or just lying in the sand and soaking up the sun on those few hot summer days, Samish Park is an excellent year-round destination.
Written By: Bud Hardwick
On: 2/24/2000

Directions

Go south on North Lake Samish Drive (exit 246 off I-5). The park is on the right just before the bridge that crosses Lake Samish.

Features

Kid Friendly | Bathrooms | Picnic Area | Picnic Tables | Swimming Areas | Walking Trails | Wheelchair Accessible

Map

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