Lake Padden Loop

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Fishing · Lake · River/Creek · Swimming · Views · Wildlife

The famous Lake Padden Loop! Lake Padden is a staple of Bellingham recreation. It offers a little something for everyone and is only a few miles outside of downtown Bellingham. There is the lake for swimming and other water sports such as SUP, kayaking, and canoeing. There is a boat launch. There are playgrounds for kids, tons of trails for hiking and biking, horse trails for the equestrian folks, a dog park. The amenities are also quite nice. They have several public restrooms, public showers (not always open), and lots of public barbeques . No matter what type of activities you enjoy, Lake Padden Recreation Area is an awesome place to spend some quality time with your friends and family or by yourself!

This park can get very crowded and busy, especially on the weekend. It is very easy to access via Samish Rd. and has lots of parking spaces, boat launch access, and plenty of public restrooms.

This is a multi-use trail that can be crowded with walkers, strollers and leashed dogs.

Starting at the Dog Park parking lot, you'll see a trailhead with a large map of all Lake Padden trails including the main loop described here. Head towards the lake on a mostly flat and open section with just some small rises for the first mile. You'll pass a playground and restroom at 0.25 miles. At the mile marker you'll be at the swimming area and another restroom. The trail now becomes rolling. Just before the 1.5 mile marker you'll cross a large bridge and head up the steepest hill on the loop. Stay to your left along the lake.

The trail will now roll and wind through the forest on the edge of the lake. You'll see various trails to your right which will take you up into the hills and singletrack known as the "Horse Trails." At the 2.5 mile marker you'll head downhill and make a large turn ending back at the sign where you started.

Lake Padden Park is a community park established in 1972. Facilities include two picnic shelters, playground, beach with swimming area, restrooms, trails, parking, basketball court, softball fields, multi-purpose fields, barbecue grills, picnic tables, and fenced dog park. Lake Padden was once the drinking water source for Bellingham.