The Pacific Northwest is home to an abundance of ecological and wildlife diversity: the expansive and lush forests of the Olympic Peninsula, the mountainous regions of the North Cascades, and ports, bays, and islands galore. It sometimes feels like you could visit a new beach every day and still have just barely scratched the surface. With June 20 marking the summer solstice, it’s a better time than ever to go and explore—trudge and hike and meander, and amble through the great outdoors.
Erika Groshell, an officer of Western Washington University’s Hiking Club, is passionate about increasing accessibility to the outdoors.
“There are all sorts of these mental barriers that we put in place for the type of person who ‘hikes,’” Groshell says, going on to emphasize that you don’t have to be a hiker to hike, and that the outdoors are and should be for everyone.
Hiking can come with many benefits. From the uptick in endorphins being released from physical exertion to the vitamin D from the sun, to the mental tranquility that can come from getting away from the hustle and bustle of the city. While hikes can vary in difficulty, below are some of the more physically accessible hikes around Bellingham and the San Juan Islands!
It’s always a good idea to be prepared for the unexpected. Consider bringing a small first aid kit, water, and a snack if you’re embarking on a new hike!
Photograph by William Morton
South Bay Trail
If you’ve been in Bellingham for very long, chances are you’ve walked part of the South Bay Trail. Starting at the south end of 10th Street and Taylor Avenue, the trail is wheelchair accessible and leashed-dog friendly. The four-mile round-trip trail traverses the boardwalk of Boulevard Park and a gravel path from Boulevard Park to downtown Bellingham. Most of the trail is considered to be gentle hiking, with an incline of around 5% or less. There are usually bikers, so keep your eyes peeled. Accessible parking exists on the south end of the trail.
Photograph by William Morton
Lake Padden Loop
Located on Samish Way, the Lake Padden Loop can be the perfect location for a quick jaunt around the outdoors. The loop is a total of 2.6 miles long, and through walking the lake’s perimeter, hikers will glean beautiful views of the lake and wildlife. Given the proximity to water, this loop is also good for those who enjoy seeing waterfowl; the lake is home to mallard ducks, American coots, cormorants, and more! If you’re feeling brave, wade into the water from one of the many openings from the trail to the lake. Lake Padden is also home to pickleball courts and has a functioning shower over the summer.
Photograph by William Morton
Whatcom Falls Hikes
Located off Lakeway Drive, Whatcom Falls has a sprawl of simple and user-friendly hiking spots. Just 100 yards from the parking lot stands a stone bridge that overlooks Whatcom’s magnificent falls. The bridge marks the starting spot for many of the intertwining hikes. From the bridge, over five miles of gravel trails are available for walking, with most of them being gentle and good for a leisurely walk.
Photograph by Syren Nagakyrie
San Juan Island National Historic Park
Located pretty close to the center of the San Juan Island National Historical Park is Jakle’s Lagoon Nature Trail. Regarded as one of the most accessible trails on the island by the San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau, Jackle’s Lagoon is 1.4 miles round trip and is generally five feet wide with a firm and packed surface of gravel and soil. Syren Nagakyrie, in “A Disabled Hiker’s Guide to the San Juan Islands,” recommends the trail “for people who walk with hiking poles and can manage a long incline and decline.” Nurse logs and ferns provide an easy path to follow, and access to Griffin Bay is readily available for those who may want to relax or explore the surrounding beach!
Photograph by Syren Nagakyrie
Fisherman Bay Preserve
Finally, if you find yourself on Lopez Island for a day and want an accessible place to explore, consider checking out Fisherman Bay Preserve. The 29-acre nature preserve is perfect for birding, picnicking, and wildflower viewing. According to the San Juan Islands Visiting Bureau, “the preserve offers about a mile of trails with only 20 feet of elevation gain.” The trail should be accessible to those with adaptive wheelchairs or walkers, but may still be difficult for those with standard wheelchairs.
For more information on any of the hikes, consider checking out the Washington Trails Association and “A Disabled Hiker’s Guide to the San Juan Islands” at visitsanjuans.com.
