Gravel riding, like hiking or water sports, is a form of escape that’s easy to appreciate in a place like Whatcom County — and the barrier for entry is low. Taking logging roads rarely traveled, ducking gates and skirting around overgrowth is something most residents can experience not far from their doorstep.
Riding a gravel bike opens up the world in ways that no other mode of transportation can do. It’s silent, letting the rider enjoy the woods with other users without causing a ruckus or getting the HOA called. It’s extremely efficient, soaking up the vertical feet with much less effort than a mountain bike and not much more effort than hiking.
Happily, most bikes are gravel bikes at heart, and the hybrid hanging up in your garage has the gearing, tire clearance and many of the mountain-bike-rated parts built for rough surfaces while being light enough for road cycling and hike-a-biking.
Here are some of the best beginner, intermediate and advanced trails. But if you go off exploring on your own, remember, the unpredictability of gravel cycling is often part of the fun.
Beginner loops
Whatcom County, and Bellingham specifically, is home to dozens of miles of wide gravel footpaths and trails that stretch to the far corners of the city and beyond. Plenty of route extensions can be added, shortcuts from trail to trail can be made, and beautiful hidden viewpoints throughout the city trails are easily accessible by bike or foot.
An easy 10-mile loop involves riding the entirety of the Railroad trail, from Squalicum Harbor all the way up through town until it deposits you at Whatcom Falls Park and back down as it runs parallel to Iowa Street.
On the way, you can easily loop up toward Big Rock Park (Kipsum trail is the most direct way but involves carrying your bike up a handful of stairs) and enjoy the small sculpture garden at the top or take in a view of the city at North Ridge Park just next door.
When you reach Whatcom Falls Park, a series of trails can take you up and around the park, offering views of waterfalls and cliffs until you’re ready to descend back into the downtown area. Aside from a handful of road crossings, this loop is 90% gravel, with singletrack options throughout to add to the adventure.
For an easier adventure, the Nooksack River Trail is a flat and well-graded singletrack route offering the opportunity for some of the best bird and eagle spotting in Whatcom County.
Railroad Trail/Whatcom Falls Loop: 10-12 miles, 450 feet of elevation gain, 1 hour to 1 hour, 30 minutes duration.
Nooksack River Loop: 5-15 miles, 100 feet of elevation gain, 30 minutes to 2 hours duration.
Intermediate loops
The Samish Crest Open Space is a unique part of the city. Once slated for development, this forested area lies between Fairhaven, Lake Padden and Galbraith Mountain. Though the trails here are numerous and winding, many loops can be made on the old logging roads, singletrack and gravel paths that provide an adventurous tour for any intermediate rider. The highest point of the crest was clear-cut in years prior, offering astounding views of the San Juan Islands and beyond.
There is no specific loop to adventure on. Parking at Civic Stadium and riding up the steep paved road into the park remains a popular way to start any ride. The location of the Samish Crest Open Space means it is nearly impossible to truly get lost in the park, as all trails eventually point downhill and spit out on familiar and well-traveled roads throughout the area.
Riding east, riders will eventually encounter Yew Street, which can be crossed to reach Galbraith Mountain. Or, riding the pavement will filter riders onto Samish Road or Lakeway. Taking either of these downhills will get riders back to Civic Stadium.
Making a loop in Samish Crest may sound intimidating to those who haven’t ventured into the forest before, but allowing yourself a couple of hours to explore, with ample food and water to extend the adventure, will lead you along new trails and endless possibilities. If you ever feel lost in the open space, just go downhill. All roads lead to Rome (Civic Stadium).
For a more structured ride, consider riding up Burnout and down East Lost Lake Road in Larrabee State Park. This route is 100% on gravel and offers stunning views of the San Juan islands. A longer version of this loop starts in Fairhaven, where riders can take the Interurban Trail to access the park.
Civic Stadium/Samish Crest Loop (approximate): 6-12 miles, 900–1,700 feet of elevation gain. 45 minutes to 2 hours duration.
Burnout Loop: 12 miles, 2,500 feet of elevation gain, 1 hour 15 minutes to 2 hours, 30 minutes duration.
Advanced loops
An advanced rider in Whatcom County will already have a bike they are willing to ride on gravel. Some riders might ride spurts of singletrack or ride gravel every day on their regular commute.
One of the best and prettiest loops near Bellingham is the Stewart Ridge loop. Riders planning on tackling the Stewart Ridge loop will be crossing into land managed by the American Forest Management and are required to purchase a permit to legally access the area.
This route involves riding through a gated logging road and a chunk of paved riding, with options to travel directly from Bellingham to complete a full loop of Lake Whatcom.
The main route starts at the South Lake Whatcom Trailhead. Riders can either depart clockwise or counterclockwise, and it is recommended to load a route onto a phone or bike computer for the journey. This route is challenging, with steep pitches quickly putting riders into their easiest gears. Both directions require about 6 miles of paved riding on Lakeshore and Y Road, so bring lights for safety.
However, as riders crest over the highest points of the gravel logging road, their effort is rewarded with some of the best views in the county. Looking east from the crest, you’ll see the North and South Twin in the foreground and mighty Mount Baker lurking in the background. Looking west, riders will be rewarded with a breathtaking view of Lake Whatcom from South to North. As the road continues, so do the views, as small sections of clear-cut open up to the east and west.
For a shorter ride, consider riding up the Chanterelle Trail (bikes are allowed uphill only) and back down the Wickersham Truck Trail. This route cuts off the ridge but will shorten the journey by multiple hours while offering many of the same views.
Stewart Ridge Loop: 18-26 miles, 4,500 feet of elevation gain, 3 hours, 30 minutes to 5 hours, 30 minutes duration.
Chanterelle/Wickersham Loop: 8 miles, 2,500 feet of elevation gain, 1 hour, 45 minutes to 3 hours duration
The routes mentioned in this article have been made public on the author’s Strava profile, @Casey-Griesemer. This article was updated to include permitting information for Stewart Ridge Loop.
Casey Griesemer writes monthly. Email: caseyg2014@gmail.com.
