Arboretum Drive curves its way to the top of Sehome Hill and ends at the Sehome Arboretum viewpoint parking area. From the parking lot, there are two trails that lead to the observatory, both will take you through the Arboretum tunnel.
The tunnel was built in 1927 and originally used as a way for cars to access the view overlooking Bellingham.
The Sehome Hill Arboretum tunnel was built in 1927 and originally used as a way for cars to access the view overlooking Bellingham. (Courtesy City of Bellingham) In spring 2020, a large rock fell on the north side of the tunnel and the Bellingham Parks and Recreation Department closed the tunnel, long closed to public vehicle traffic, to foot traffic due to safety concerns. Strider Construction was hired to scrape away loose sandstone that could cause rockfalls.
The tunnel reopened to foot traffic in October 2022.
The parks department plans to inspect the tunnel on a monthly basis and check for additional rockfall or loose rock. In the future, the wood cage framing the tunnel will be removed to allow maintenance vehicles to access the observation tower.
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