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Whatcom Falls Park

(Not Yet Rated)
Whatcom Falls Park 0:0

Address

1401 Electric Ave.
Bellingham , WA 98226

Hours

Every day Dawn - Dusk

Review

Perhaps the jewel of all Bellingham city parks, Whatcom Falls offers a nearby wilderness getaway.
Bellingham has some great urban parks, and Whatcom Falls Park may be its finest. A veritable 241-acre jewel, the waterfalls eternally beat in the heart of the city. From the central parking area, the roar of the water attracts visitors to a paved path leading to a sandstone bridge that spans Whatcom Creek. From there, the main waterfall may be appreciated. The bridge is impressive: a beautiful vestige of Chuckanut sandstone built in 1939 as a project of the Roosevelt-sponsored Works Progress Administration.

Areas of the park near the creek are wooded with indigenous trees and shrubs. Past the bridge, the park’s trails become dirt and gravel paths that lead to other sections of the creek. Leashes are not required for dogs in this section of the park. Aquatic adventurers are familiar with a section of the park known as "The Whirlpool," where daring swimmers leap from a 60-foot cliff, plunging into the cold waters below. However, this is not a supervised swimming area, so jump at your own risk.

Those who have visited the park know there is a lot more to Whatcom Falls than just waterfalls. The eastern-most half of the park consists of fields, tennis courts and a fish hatchery. Groups may also reserve covered picnic areas by contacting the Parks and Recreation office. The park has a fishing pond for kids less than 12 years. With parental supervision, this is a great spot to teach children the basics of angling. Take advantage of the children’s fishing derby during the opening week of trout season.

NOTE: After the 1999 Olympic Pipeline explosion which killed three youths, certain sections of Whatcom Falls Park were declared off-limits. Much of the south side of Whatcom Creek west of the stone bridge is closed until further notice.
Written By: Ken Brierly
On: 10/16/1998

Directions

Travel east on Lakeway Drive past Bayview Cemetary. Turn left into the park from the stoplight at Lakeway and Silver Beach Road. Another entrance is on Electric Avenue.

Features

Bathrooms | Picnic Area | Picnic Tables | Swimming Areas | Tennis Courts | Walking Trails

Map

User Reviews

cheyenne presnal
30rating
(2)
(1)
10/18/2006
i loved watcom falls when i lived in washington it was one of my favorite places in the whole world
(0)
(0)
Darly MayReams
30rating
(2)
(1)
1/11/2006
First To Review
Whatcom Falls is way fun! You can jump off the cliff into the falls....if you're brave enough, or get pushed off if you're not! Its fun at all times, day or night! But a lil scarier at night cuz you can't see! Ahh!!!
(0)
(0)
Michael N.
COLUMBUS, OH
10rating
(1)
(0)
8/28/2009
I use to go here alot when I lived in Bham, partied there many a night preexplosion. it is one of my favorite places on this earth.
(0)
(0)
Al Leash
10rating
(1)
(0)
6/9/2008
We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Whatcom falls. We met a man who lived there and fed the squirrels. His poncho smelled bad, but the falls were beautiful!!!
(0)
(0)
JILL SPOONER
10rating
(1)
(0)
5/6/2008
Our family did the Whatcom Falls jump all together in 40 degree water and what a rush. The water was wonderful and we enjoyed the family time together. Took some great pictures to send to family. Go jump the falls and enjoy feeling like a kid again.
(0)
(0)
Nate-o Potato
10rating
(1)
(0)
4/4/2007
I Live Right Near This Park! go to the cliffs and jump. They have three different hieghts to choose from. Great place for biking.
(0)
(0)
Anonymous
10rating
(1)
(0)
1/4/2007
Whatcom Creek is an awesome place for kids under 16 to come and fish! I am personally a big fan of fishing, and late in the whatcom creek season, and even about a month after it opens, you need to be a skilled fisherman and know how to catch these smart, but large Rainbow trout. I personally use a worm, but spinners and powerbait may sometimes work also! HAVE FUN!
(0)
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danny
10rating
(1)
(0)
2/1/2006
Whatcom falls is sweet. The fishing is my favorite because i'm a big fishing fan but the great swimming oportunity is great also. And if your brave enough you may want to try jumping off a cliff into a deep pool. The fishing area is great for kids becasue the rules are only kids that are 16 and under can fish! The fish are abundant tand the water is great! Come try it out
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