The Salmon Are Back: Interurban Trail Reopens + A Sunny Weekend Ahead

Today's Weather: Rain likely, mainly before 4 p.m. Mostly cloudy with a high near 50°F. South-southwest winds around 9 mph with gusts up to 20 mph. Drier this evening, and a pretty nice weekend ahead.  Full NWS forecast →

Community Win

Interurban Trail Is Back Open + Salmon Already Spotted Upstream

Happy Friday indeed. The section of the Interurban Trail that had been closed for the Padden Creek Fish Passage Project is officially back open as of this week.

The project replaced old culverts with two new fish-friendly ones that salmon, trout, and other species can now pass through freely. The trail itself got upgrades too: resurfaced path, new railings, fresh native plants, topsoil, and mulch. The City reports that salmon have already been spotted heading upstream. That is a real, genuine Bellingham moment right there.

If you are heading out to enjoy the trail, crews may still be finishing a few small details. Please stay on the trail and keep pets on it too, to give those new plants a fighting chance.

Want to see the work up close? The City is hosting a guided tour at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 25 for anyone who wants a closer look at the project.

Community

Explore the Salish Sea at the Bellingham Public Library

The Bellingham Public Library has something special lined up for early March. The Salish Dome Experience is a 360-degree immersive projection that puts you right inside the Salish Sea ecosystem, with a focus on salmon and what it takes to protect them.

The event is scheduled for Thursday, March 5, at the Bellingham Central Library. Two sessions are available:

2:30 to 3:30 p.m. for kids ages 5 to 11, and 3:45 to 5:30 p.m. for all ages. Children under 5 need an adult with them. The event is presented in partnership with the Friends of the San Juans, the Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association, and the City of Bellingham Public Works.

Mayor Lund Heading to King Mountain to Answer Encampment Questions

Mayor Kim Lund and members of her team will visit the King Mountain neighborhood next week to hear from residents and give updates on the City's work around encampments in the area.

The meeting is set for Wednesday, March 4, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Bellingham Covenant Church on E. Bakerview Rd. It is co-hosted by the King Mountain Neighborhood Association. If you live in that area or have questions, this is a good opportunity to hear directly from city leadership.

Whatcom County Emergency Ops at Level 3 Monitoring

According to the Thursday emergency management briefing from Whatcom County, the Emergency Operations Center remains at Level 3 (Monitoring). No active major incidents are reported, but the County continues to track conditions. If you have damage to report, you can contact the Whatcom County Division of Emergency Management directly.

Toxics Disposal Facility Closed March 17

If you have hazardous waste to drop off, plan around this date: the Whatcom County Disposal of Toxics facility will be closed on Tuesday, March 17 for an off-site staff retreat. Normal operations resume Wednesday, March 18. Please do not leave materials at the gate while the site is closed. If you need info on proper disposal, visit the County's Hazardous Waste page.

Salmon Are Back. The Trail Is Open. It's a Good Day, Bellingham.

Sometimes the news just gives you something to smile about. This week, the Padden Creek Fish Passage Project reached a milestone years in the making: the culverts are in, the trail is open, and salmon are already moving upstream. A city project that actually worked, and nature responding exactly as hoped.

It is a small thing on paper. It is a big thing if you love this place. Go take a walk on the Interurban Trail this weekend and look for them. You might get lucky.

Sunny Saturday on the way, too. Rain boots optional. Go enjoy it.

The Upcoming Week

Spring Is Almost Here. Your Home Deserves a Head Start. (sponsored)

With trails reopening and sunny weekends coming back, spring cleaning season is officially here in Bellingham. Cascade Home Cleaning is making it easy to get your home fresh and ready.

New recurring clients: Get 40% off your first deep clean. Cascade Home Cleaning serves Bellingham and surrounding Whatcom County with reliable, neighborly service. This offer is good for new clients booking an ongoing cleaning schedule.

Offer expires end of this week, so do not wait. Book now at cascadehomecleaning.com.