New Trails in North Bellingham + This Week's Event Calendar

Today's Weather: Partly sunny, then gradually becoming sunny, high near 55°F. Light south-southwest wind. Rain moves back in tonight after 4 a.m., so enjoy the sunshine while it lasts.  Full forecast →

Salmon Are Back: Interurban Trail Reopens After Fish Passage Work at Padden Creek

Happy Monday, Bellingham. March is here, and we have some genuinely good news to start the week.

The section of the Interurban Trail that has been closed for the Padden Creek Fish Passage Project is officially back open. The project replaced culverts at 12th Street with fish-friendly passages that salmon, trout, and other species can actually swim through. And here's the exciting part: salmon have already been spotted heading upstream. That is a fast and very welcome result.

While crews were at it, they also resurfaced the trail, added new railings, and planted fresh native vegetation. A few finishing touches are still underway, so the City is asking trail users to stick to the path and keep pets on leash to protect the young plants and prevent erosion.

Want to see the fish passage up close? The City is hosting a guided tour on Saturday, April 25 at 2 p.m. Mark your calendar.

Community

Sunset Pond Loop Trail Is Open for Business

Thirty-plus years in the making, the Sunset Pond Loop Trail officially opened to the public last Friday with a ribbon-cutting and community stroll. The trail features scenic boardwalks over wetlands and connects North Bellingham to Sunset Square, Barkley Village, and beyond.

Parks Director Nicole Oliver said it best: "Sunset Pond is a genuine nature escape right in the heart of North Bellingham." If you have not been out there yet, this week's weather window might be your best shot before rain returns.

Heads Up

Mayor Lund Coming to King Mountain Neighborhood This Week

Mayor Kim Lund and her team will be at the King Mountain Neighborhood Association meeting on Wednesday, March 4, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Bellingham Covenant Church on E. Bakerview Rd. The focus is on encampment activity in the area. This is an open community meeting and a good opportunity to ask questions and hear directly from the Mayor's office.

The City has an ongoing effort on this issue. You can read more about the approach at cob.org.

Community

Dive Into the Salish Sea at the Bellingham Public Library This Thursday

The Bellingham Public Library has something pretty cool lined up for Thursday: the Salish Dome Experience, an immersive 360-degree projection that takes you inside the Salish Sea and the world of salmon. It is presented in partnership with the Friends of the San Juans and the Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association.

Two sessions are available on Thursday, March 5, at the Bellingham Central Library:

• 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. for kids ages 5 to 11

• 3:45 to 5:30 p.m. for all ages (children under 5 must be accompanied by an adult)

Schools

8th Grade Families: Mark March 16 for High School Family Nights

Bellingham Public Schools is hosting high school family nights for incoming 9th graders on Monday, March 16 at 6:30 p.m. Bellingham, Squalicum, and Sehome high schools all have events that evening. Options High School follows on Wednesday, March 25 at 6:30 p.m. for students considering that path.

Each school will send more detailed info to families soon. Full details from the district here.

WWU

Western Washington University Breaking Ground on New Student Center This Month

Construction on Western Washington University's new Student Development and Success Center begins March 24. Heads up if you drive or walk near campus later this month. The new facility is part of WWU's ongoing investment in student support infrastructure.

Home Sweet Bellingham

What a New Trail Means for North Bellingham Neighborhoods

With the Sunset Pond Loop Trail now open, North Bellingham just got a meaningful walkability upgrade. The trail connects to Barkley Village, Sunset Square, and further to Bellingham Bay, giving neighborhoods like Birchwood and the Guide Meridian corridor real trail access that was not there before.

Walkability matters for home values, and more importantly, it matters for quality of life. Homes within a short walk of trails and parks consistently attract more interest. If you have been thinking about what makes Bellingham neighborhoods worth watching, North Bellingham has had a quietly good stretch lately: Storybrook Park in Birchwood opened last year, the new Sunset Pond Loop just launched, and the Interurban Trail connection at Padden Creek is freshly restored.

Thinking about a move or just curious what homes are going for in that corner of town? The Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce and local real estate platforms like Windermere Bellingham are good places to start.

The Upcoming Week

Sponsored

Spring Cleaning Season Just Got a Big Head Start

With the trails open and fresh air back in the forecast, it is the perfect time to get your home ready for spring. Cascade Home Cleaning is making it easy this week: get 40% off your first deep clean when you sign up as a new recurring client.

Cascade Home Cleaning is a local Bellingham team that knows this community. No contracts, no stress — just a clean home you did not have to do yourself. Spring is a great time to reset, and this offer makes it easy to start.

Book by end of this week to lock in the 40% discount. 

Book Online: cascadehomecleaning.com
Call/text to Book: 360-594-5990.

This section is sponsored by Cascade Home Cleaning.