Whatcom County Park Plans

The following proposals concerning Whatcom County Park & Recreation properties are based
on the results of field analysis and workshop planning sessions. The proposal outlines the
vision developed for REGIONAL park properties currently owned by Whatcom County for the
next 20 years. The proposals are CONCEPTUAL, in some instances, subject to further study
and coordination with public and private participants that may modify the eventual project
particulars.

Bay Horizon Park

Bay to Baker Trail (Maple Falls/Glacier)
Birch Bay Shoreline Properties, Tidelands & Conservancy Area
Canyon Lake Community Forest
Chuckanut Mountain County Park
Deming Homestead Eagle Park
Dittrich Park (East Lake Samish)
Hovander Homestead Park/Tennant Lake Interpretive Center
Lake Whatcom County Park – North
Lake Whatcom County Park – South (Hegg Park and Zobrist and Richards)
Lighthouse Marine Park
Little Squalicum Beach Properties
Maple Beach Tidelands
Monument Park
Nugent’s Corner River Access
Olsen Property
Ostrom Conservation Site
Plantation Rifle Range
Samish Park
Semiahmoo Park
Silver Lake Park
Smith & Northwest Sports Fields
South Fork County Park (Acme, Overby & Nesset Farms)
Squires Lake Park
Stimpson Family Nature Reserve & Anderson Property
Sunnyside Landing
Sunset Farm Equestrian Center
Whatcom County Park Headquarters
Whatcom County
Bay Horizon Park
Alderson Road, Birch Bay

This 68.2-acre decommissioned military

radar base and 57,500 square feet of
surplus usable facilities are located on
Alderson Road in Birch Bay.

The property was acquired through

Federal surplus and is currently leased
to the Lions Foundation for a summer
camp and recreation site, and to the
Birch Bay Lions Club for a hostel.

The site has a commercial kitchen,

dining hall, and gymnasium available
for public use.

The site has been improved to provide a

small playground, walking trail, and ball
field.

The property does not include the former

base single family housing area, a
communications building, and
Washington State archives building.

Possible improvements
In association with Northwest Park &
Recreation District, develop the site for a
community park.

Restore and enhance the natural

drainage features that flow into and
through the site.

Demolish and remove buildings that are

no longer usable or habitable for park
and community use.

Renovate useable buildings that have a

functional purpose.

Develop an access trail to Birch Bay, a

community playground, recreational
courts, and soccer and baseball fields.

Consider developing a community center

in the event Birch Bay incorporates and
would require administrative and
supporting facilities.
Whatcom County
Bay to Baker Trail
(Maple Falls/Glacier)
Maple Falls-Glacier, Whatcom County

This historic 118.0-acre Bellingham Bay

& British Columbia (BBBC) Railroad
corridor extends 7.8 miles from Maple
Falls eastward terminating east of
Glacier Creek.

The undeveloped railroad bed adjoins

several spur segments. Improvements
include a restroom building and parking
in Glacier.

Possible improvements
Acquire right-of-way to complete the
missing 4,000 linear foot trail segment.
Also acquire the private cabins located
on the trail corridor for trail use and
develop a day-use trailhead.

Complete development of the

multipurpose hike, bike, and horse trail
the complete length of the right-of-way
including the river bridges.

Extend the trail improvement east into

Mount Baker National Park to the park
headquarters, and access to the multiple
US Forest Service and National Park
trails therein.

Extend the trail improvement west along

the BBBC railroad corridor to Kendall,
Deming, and eventually into Bellingham.

Develop spur trail opportunities,

trailheads, rest areas, and interpretive
historical and informational exhibits and
signage along the trail and adjacent
roadside
Whatcom County
Birch Bay Shoreline
Properties, Tidelands &
Conservancy Area
Birch Bay Drive, Birch Bay

Shoreline properties - this 56.35-acre

collection of shoreline or near shore
properties is located along Birch Bay
Drive at Cedar Avenue and Beach Way,
Cottonwood Drive, Alderson Road, Point
Whitehorn Road, Jackson Road, and
along Terrell Creek. The various parcels
provide 909 linear feet of shoreline.

The parcels have been improved with

hand-carry boat access and picnic
tables.

Tidelands – this collection of tidelands is

located along Birch Bay Drive.

Major parcels include properties located

north of Cottonwood Drive, north of the
intersection of Harborview and Birch Bay
Drive, Evergreen Lane south past Cedar
Lane, and north of Alderson Road.

Birch Bay conservancy area – this 45.0-

acre undeveloped wildlife conservancy
area is located along Point Whitehorn
Road.

Possible improvements
Acquire additional tidelands for public
access and develop a multipurpose trail
and park along the shoreline in
conjunction with other shoreline
improvement projects..

Develop additional access amenities

including picnic tables and shelters, rest
stops, interpretive signage, and
restrooms at appropriate street-end
parcels.
Whatcom County
Canyon Lake Community
Forest
Canyon Lake, Whatcom County

This 2,266.0-acre conservancy site

includes 45 acres of water surface on
Canyon Lake jointly owned with Western
Washington University.

The forested site has been improved with

a trailhead, 8.7 miles of hiking trails
around the lake to overlooks and an old
growth forest.

Possible improvements
Acquire logging and development rights
to the lands located within the viewshed
west of the lake to the ridgeline.

Acquire land and/or logging and

development rights from DNR and
private parties to the lands located south
and west from the edge of the lake along
Canyon Creek.

Develop a hand-carry boat access with

floating dock at the western edge of the
lake.
Whatcom County
Chuckanut Mountain
County Park
Between Chuckanut Drive and Old
Samish Highway, Bellingham

Whatcom County’s 999.8-acre portion of

the Chuckanut Mountain Recreational
area is located between Chuckanut Drive
and Old Samish Highway. The total
landholding includes the Departments of
Fish & Wildlife (DFW), Washington State
Parks & Recreation Commission (P&RC),
and City of Bellingham properties.

County lands include Pine & Cedar Lakes

trailhead and access, Teddy Bear Cove,
and the easement from Puget Sound
Energy (PSE) for the Interurban Trail.

Pine/Cedar Lakes Unit includes 147.0

acres and provides 20 acres of water
surface and 5,000 linear feet of
shoreline on the 2 lakes with fishing
access, primitive campsites, and 2.0
miles of hiking trails.

Teddy Bear Cove includes 9.5 acres and

1,250 linear feet of shoreline on
Chuckanut Bay accessed from
Chuckanut Drive.

To the south, DNR’s 3,500-acre

Blanchard Forest located in Skagit
County also provides recreational
opportunities in a working forest setting.

Possible improvements
Complete trail connections called for in
the Chuckanut Mountain Trail Master
Plan.

Acquire property and develop a trail

connection between Teddy Bear Cove
and Bellingham property (Woodstock
Farm) to the north.

Develop a trail connection from Teddy

Bear Cove through the Chuckanut trail
system to Samish Park.
Whatcom County
Deming Homestead
Eagle Park
Truck Road, Deming

This 33.0-acre conservancy property

provides 2,500 linear feet of shoreline
along the North Fork of the Nooksack
River accessed from Truck Road.

The site has been improved with a

trailhead, picnic tables, covered bench,
walking path for wildlife viewing and
river access.
Whatcom County
Dittrich Park (East Lake
Samish)
East Lake Samish Drive, Bellingham

This undeveloped 25.21-acre park

property (formerly known as East Lake
Samish Park) is located on East Lake
Samish Drive on Lake Samish south of
Bellingham’s city limits. The site includes
1,600 linear feet of shoreline along the
east shore of the lake.

Site improvements include a 1,200

square foot home and shed,, and 2
homes dating from the 1930’s
measuring 1,100 and 1,800 square feet,
and a barn.

Possible improvements
Develop a swimming beach, hand-carry
boat launch, and dock on the shoreline,
and trailer parking area with picnic
tables, shelter, and restroom at the edge
of the woodlands.

If feasible, reuse the existing house and

barn for active recreational uses
including day-use picnic and activities.

Develop a shoreline and upland trail

system along the waterfront and around
the grassy area located in the center of
the site.

Develop a day-use parking lot and

trailhead at the north end of the grassy
area with picnic tables and shelters.

Extend the shoreline and upland trail

around the wetlands, develop a
swimming beach, and install nature
exhibits and interpretive information.
Whatcom County
Hovander Homestead
Park/Tennant Lake
Interpretive Center
Neilson Avenue and Hovander Road,
Ferndale

This 333.4-acre conservancy, historic

farmstead, and park property is located
on Neilson Avenue and Hovander Road
on the Nooksack River adjacent to
Ferndale city limits. The property
includes 11,450 linear feet of shoreline
on the west shore dike of the Nooksack
River.

The site includes the 6,800 square foot

historic 1890’s Hovander Home, 576
square foot observation tower, 340
square foot milking parlor, 384 square
foot drying shed, 1,375 square foot
blacksmith shop, and 10,900 square
foot barn. The homestead is listed on the
National Register of Historic Places. The
barnyard is furnished with antique farm
implements and equipment, and a
collection of farm livestock and fowl.

Other structures include a 2,000 square

foot open picnic shelter, playground,
demonstration gardens, 112 square foot
restroom building, 324 square foot
office and visitor information building,
and a 1,225 square foot shop and
service building. The site also has a
1,200 square foot rental house and
1,650 square foot manager’s residence.

The Tennant Lake conservancy area

(former Nielsen Farm) has been
improved with a 780 square foot 2-story
observation tower, 11,500 square foot
boardwalk into the wetlands, and 4,600
square foot interpretive center and
meeting facility.

Year-round interpretive programs are

presented in the center. Adjoining the
site is the Fragrance Garden – an award-
winning garden for the visually impaired
featuring fragrant flowers and herbs.

Possible improvements
North end footbridge and campground
– expand the boat launch, boat launch
ramp, and trailhead parking area at the
north edge of the property between the
Nooksack River and Neilson Avenue. The
boat launching facilities would increase
access to a water trail system in the
Nooksack River extending upriver to
Deming and downriver into Bellingham
Bay. The trailhead would provide access
to an expanded Nooksack River trail to
be located on top of the river dike
through Hovander Park.

Develop a multipurpose trail over the

Nooksack River between this site and
Ferndale’s Pioneer Park. The footbridge
would provide access to a walking trail
located on the west shore of the
Nooksack River creating a trail loop
extending the length of the river from
the footbridge to Slater Road and back.
The footbridge would also combine
Pioneer and Hovander Park facilities and
resources into an integrated regional
park complex.

Develop a tent and recreational vehicle

campground adjacent to the boat launch
and trailhead facilities behind a bermed
buffer extending along Nielson Avenue.
The campground would increase the
multi-use potentials of the park in a
location that is otherwise impacted by
adjacent industrial and commercial
developments. It would also provide
additional day-time users of the park
that would not impact the historical
integrity of the farmstead or visual
character of Tennant Lake.

Middle site special events area –

develop a special event and activities
area of the portion of the park site
located north of Hovander Road and
west of the woodlands extending along
Nielson Avenue.

Improvements could include an

amphitheater or performance area and
special events field with designated
grass-covered seasonal or special event
parking areas, picnic tables and
shelters, and restrooms.

The special event staging area would

provide activity for an otherwise under-
used portion of the park and relocate
this activity away from the activity area
and viewscape of the Hovander
farmstead complex.

South end historic farmstead –

designate a large grass-covered seasonal
or special event parking area from in
front of the Hovander farmstead to the
west side of the home and the location of
the picnic shelter and restroom.

The relocated special event parking area

would allow major events at the
farmstead but reduce parking and visual
impacts on the historic complex.
Develop the upper floor of the barn for a
special event and meeting facility that
compliments the historic and farm
related programs conducted at the site.
Expand farm-related programs and
activities in the barn and the adjacent
pasture area.

If practical, relocate the office and

visitor information center, and
maintenance buildings to preserve the
historical and visual integrity of the
farmstead site.

North Tennant Lake – acquire

development right to the farmstead and
open space properties located on Neilson
Avenue, Scout Place, and Hovander Road
north of Tennant Lake. Preserve the
ecological and visual integrity of the
Tennant Lake wetlands.

The acquisitions would preserve and

buffer Tennant Lake and prevent
encroachment from commercial and
industrial land uses developing along the
Nielson Avenue entry into the park
complex
Whatcom County
Lake Whatcom County
Park - North
North Shore Drive, Bellingham

This 218.0-acre multi-use park property

is located on the northeast shoreline of
Lake Whatcom and accessed from North
Shore Drive. The park site includes
10,990 linear feet of shoreline along the
route of the historic Bellingham Bay &
Eastern Railroad (BBE) right-of-way (3.0-
mile Hertz Trail).

Improvements include an interpretive

kiosk, vault toilet, and 3.5 miles of multi-
use trail.

The property includes 2 homes

measuring 1,000 and 1,386 square feet
located on North Shore Drive.

Possible improvements
South end – develop boat docks and pier
into the Lake Whatcom shoreline to
support a water trail on the lake.

Develop a swimming beach, picnic area,

and group day-use of the waterfront
activity area.

Expand the trailhead to provide parking

for boat launch facilities, the waterfront
beach, and an expanded use of trail
opportunities along the shoreline and
across Stewart Mountain from the park
site.

Northeast end – develop hike, bike, and

horse trails from the park site north and
south along the Stewart Mountain on
ridgelines to connect with the
Wickersham Truck Trail and others.

Middle site – develop day use activity

areas that focus on the waterfront and
boat access.

Trail corridor – acquire the last 2.0

miles from private parties and develop
Hertz Trail for multipurpose use along
the shoreline from the park site south to
Blue Canyon Road and Lake Whatcom
County Park South. Install interpretive
signage and exhibits highlighting the
trail’s historic heritage.

Develop water-access sites for a water

trail along the shoreline from the park
site south to Lake Whatcom County Park
– South. Install anchoring buoys, landing
platforms, and other improvements to
support shared access to trailside picnic
tables and shelters, local trails, and
other activity areas.

Acquire additional properties in Lake

Whatcom watershed for protection and
recreational use.

Note
Lake Whatcom serves as the drinking
water supply for over half of the
county’s residents and as such, all
proposed park activities must be
evaluated in the context of their impact
on water quality. In addition, parks
activities need to be consistent with
existing goals and policies of the Joint
Lake Whatcom Management Program.
Whatcom County
Lake Whatcom County
Park – South (Hegg Park
and Zobrist and
Richards Properties
South Bay Road, Bellingham

This undeveloped 80.3-acre multi-use

park property is located on the
southeast shoreline of Lake Whatcom
accessed from South Bay Drive. The site
includes 6,141 linear feet of shoreline on
Lake Whatcom.

Possible improvements
Southwest end – restore and enhance
Brannian Creek through the site and into
Lake Whatcom. Conserve the woodlands
and wetlands in the south portion of the
site along the creek corridor and along
South Bay Road.

Develop boat launch ramps, dock, and

pier into the Lake Whatcom shoreline to
support water trails on the lake.

Develop a swimming beach, picnic area,

and group day-use of the waterfront
activity area. Recruit concessionaires to
provide canoe and kayak, crew, and
other hand-carry watercraft use of the
shoreline and lake.

Develop rustic cabins, recreational

vehicle campground, and possibly a
lodge facility with meeting rooms,
educational exhibits, and other family
and large group retreat activities.

Develop a trailhead to provide parking

for boat launch facilities, the waterfront
beach, and access to trail opportunities
along the shoreline.

Hertz Trail – develop a multipurpose

trail through the park and along the
shoreline and north on Blue Canyon
Road to Hertz Trail and north along the
lake shoreline to Lake Whatcom County
Park - North.

Camp Road 2 - develop a trail access

across South Bay Road to Camp Road 2
Railroad Property then south on a
multipurpose trail towards Squires Lake
and Anderson Mountain in Skagit
County.

Southeast end – develop a water-access

site for a water trail along the shoreline
from the park site north to Lake
Whatcom County Park – North. Install
anchoring buoys, landing platforms, and
other improvements to support shared
access to trailside picnic tables and
shelters, local trails, and other activity
areas. Consider designating a portion of
the site for water trail overnight
camping for hand-carry watercraft.

Note
Lake Whatcom serves as the drinking
water supply for over half of the
county’s residents and as such, all
proposed park activities must be
evaluated in the context of their impact
on water quality. In addition, parks
activities need to be consistent with
existing goals and policies of the Joint
Lake Whatcom Management Program.
Whatcom County
Lighthouse Marine Park
Marine and Edwards Drive, Point Roberts

This multi-use 20.5-acre park site is

located on the southwest point of Point
Roberts on Marine and Edwards Drive
with 2,320 linear feet of shoreline on the
Strait of Georgia.

The park has been improved with a

52,000 square foot boardwalk and
performing stage, 870 square feet of
restroom, interpretive center, and
concession stand, 18 covered picnic sites
providing 3,262 square feet of covered
space, a 1,200 square foot park office
and managers residence, 300 square
foot restroom and showers.

The park also provides a 2-lane boat

launch ramp with a 140-foot long
seasonal dock into the Georgia Strait for
day use.

The park has 25 recreational vehicle

campsites, a combination group camp
and picnic area, playground, shoreline
walk, kitchen shelter, observation tower,
and picnic areas.

Possible improvements
Northwest end - acquire adjacent
property and expand the boat launch
and boardwalk parking lot to
accommodate peak season week park
users without encroaching onto
neighboring properties or congesting
Marine Drive. Reconfigure the entry road
to separate boat launch traffic from
other park uses.

Middle site – renovate the viewing

platform or replace it with an
appropriate structure.

Southeast end – construct a picnic

shelter to accommodate group use and
provide shelter from the winds.

Northeast end – acquire property north

of the site and expand the recreational
vehicle campground to accommodate
peak season park use. Install trees, a
playground, restroom and shower, and
other campground amenities.
Whatcom County
Little Squalicum Beach
Properties
Little Squalicum Beach, Bellingham

These 12.8-acre conservancy properties

are located in Little Squalicum Creek
ravine and Bellingham Bay shoreline.
The property is located adjacent to the
railroad spur to the Cement Plant Pier
recently acquired for park use by
Bellingham.

The site is currently leased to Bellingham

Parks for park development subject to a
master plan.
Whatcom County
Maple Beach Tidelands
Bay View Drive, Point Roberts

These second class tidelands properties

with 2,000 linear feet of shoreline are
located in Point Roberts on Bay View
Drive on Boundary Bay.

Bay View Drive right-of-way provides

access to the tidelands for beach
walking, swimming, and shell-fishing.

Possible improvements
In association with the Point Roberts
Park & Recreation District and Whatcom
County Public Works, develop additional
parking and local trail access systems
from adjacent residential areas.

Install interpretive signage, rest stops,

benches, and other shoreline amenities.
Whatcom County
Monument Park
Marine Drive, Point Roberts

This 6.9-acre undeveloped park site and

overlook is located on the US/Canadian
border on the northwest shoreline of
Point Roberts on Marine Drive.

The property includes 466 linear feet of

shoreline on the Strait of Georgia

Possible improvements
In association with the Point Roberts
Park & Recreation District, develop local
trail access systems from adjacent
residential areas to the shoreline.

Install interpretive signage, rest stops,

benches, and other shoreline access and
amenities.
Whatcom County
Nugent’s Corner River
Access
Mount Baker Highway, Foothills

This 14.0-acre Public Works property

providing walk-in access to the Nooksack
River is located off the Mount Baker
Highway at Nugent’s Bridge.

Site improvements include a picnic table,

parking area, and residence leased for
wildlife rehabilitation purposes.

Possible improvements
Develop hand-carry launch site and
parking area to compliment water trail
development of the Nooksack River.

Expand picnicking and other day-use

potentials including tables, shelters, and
restrooms.

Eventually, consider developing a

primitive campsite to compliment
development of the Nooksack River
water and multipurpose trail
developments.

If appropriate, develop a wheelchair

accessible fishing site and platform.
Whatcom County
Olsen Property
Lake Louise Road, Bellingham

This 368.7-acre conservancy site co-

owned with Bellingham is located off
Lake Louise Road on Lookout Mountain.

The site has trailhead access to upland

hiking trails on Lookout Mountain.

Possible improvements
Develop a trailhead parking area on
Lake Louise Road and trail access to and
through the site with other trail
opportunities on Lookout Mountain.
Whatcom County
Ostrom Conservation
Site
South Pass Road, Everson

This 38.7-acre conservancy site is

located off South Pass Road east of
Everson. The site is leased to the
Nooksack Valley School District for
outdoor education purposes.

The forested property provides trail

access and parking.

Possible improvements
Designate a the trailhead parking area
on South Pass Road and link trail access
to and through the site with other trail
opportunities on Sumas Mountain.
Whatcom County
Plantation Rifle Range
Samish Way, Bellingham

This 60.0-acre indoor/outdoor shooting

range is located on leased land on
Samish Way southeast of Bellingham.

The facility provides a 1,600 square foot

range control building for a 20-300-
yard, 15 covered firing station high-
power outdoor rifle range and trap field.

The facility also provides a 9,600 square

foot building housing a 25-yard small-
bore rifle and pistol indoor range with
12 firing positions, a 100 meter outdoor
training rooms, and meeting facilities.

Local law enforcement agencies, practice

and competition shooting by gun clubs
and enthusiasts use the facility from a
multi-county area.

Possible improvements
Acquire the 60.0-acre site and buffer
area.
Whatcom County
Samish Park
North Lake Samish Drive, Bellingham

This 30.6-acre multi-use park property is

located on North Lake Samish Drive on
the north shoreline of Lake Samish south
of Bellingham.

The park provides 1,214 linear feet of

lake shoreline that has been improved
with a swimming beach, playground, 0.7
miles of hiking trail, 1,272 square foot
boat dock, 700 square foot fishing dock,
700 square foot shop, boat and canoe
rentals, and picnic tables.

The park has also been improved with a

1,750 square foot day-use lodge with a
food service area, meeting room, and
outdoor decks.

The property also provides a 1,350

square foot rental home.

Possible improvements
Acquire adjacent property and expand
the parking lot to accommodate peak
season users without encroaching onto
neighboring properties or congesting
North Lake Samish Drive.
Whatcom County
Semiahmoo Park and
Tidelands
Semiahmoo Spit, Blaine

This 17.9-acre park and tidelands is

located on Semiahmoo Spit between
Semiahmoo Bay and Drayton Harbor in
Blaine. The property includes 8,812
linear feet of shoreline and tidelands
that provide access to extensive
clamming beds, picnicking,
beachcombing areas, fishing, and hand-
carry boat access.

The site has been improved with a 1.5

mile paved multipurpose trail extending
from the south end of the spit east to
Semiahmoo Resort and the original
Alaska Packers Cannery site.

Several Alaska Packers Association

cannery buildings were relocated to the
southwest edge of the spit from the
northeast spit cannery site.

The buildings include a 1,040 square

foot building used for an interpretive
center and museum, 1,040 square foot
building used for restrooms, storage,
and meetings, and a 2,000 square foot
2-story building used as a meeting hall.

Possible improvements
Restore the original cannery buildings to
support expanded use for retreats,
meetings, and interpretive exhibits.

Redevelop the playground area behind

the buildings to provide picnic tables and
shelters, bird watching blinds, and
access to the beach.

Expand trailhead parking at the western

end of the spit adjacent to the original
cannery buildings and at the east end of
the spit adjacent to the condominiums to
increase access to the trail and beach.
Link the park to the Blaine trail system
acquiring property when available.
Whatcom County
Silver Lake Park
Silver Lake and Black Mountain Roads,
Sumas

This 412.1-acre conservancy, historic

farmstead, and recreational park is
located on Silver Lake and Black
Mountain Roads on Silver Lake east of
Sumas. The site provides 5,699 linear
feet of waterfront along the west and
south shores of Silver Lake on what had
been a private resort, early-day
homestead, and logging site.

The active park area includes a 5,699

square foot building housing a
concession area and kitchen, meeting
room, restrooms, office, apartment, and
3-bedroom overnight lodge. Attached to
the building is a 2,700 square foot
outdoor deck.

The active area also includes 6 lakeside

rental cabins totaling 2,350 square feet,
a boat landing, picnic areas,
playground, swimming beach, launch
dock, parking, and 3,025 square foot
picnic shelter.

Camping is provided in 3 separate areas

of the park and includes the main 65-
site recreational campground with 35
improved sites with electricity and
water, a 200 square foot bunkhouse,
shower and restroom buildings, and
sanitary dump station.

An equestrian camp in the northern

portion of the park has 28 improved
campsites, 2 each 29-stall horse stables
totaling 7,000 square feet, and 2 each
675 square foot covered kitchen
shelters.

The group camp area has water and

electrical hookups for 30 units and a
1,500 square foot kitchen shelter.

The park has a 2,850 square foot

storage barn, 2,970 square foot barn
and shop, and 1,050 square foot
equipment shed. Other site
improvements include 4 small employee
cabins totaling 1,010 square feet and 2
park manager residences totaling 2,880
square feet. Restrooms and vaulted
toilets have been developed throughout
the park site.

The Gerdrum Home/Museum is located

west across from the main park
entrance and is the site of the original
Gerdrum Homestead. The 1,540 square
foot 2-story home was built in the
1890’s.

The Black Mountain Forestry Center is

located on adjoining leased park
property. The Center is operated by
volunteers and provides outdoor
educational displays of historical logging
equipment with 7 small exhibit buildings
focusing on forest management
practices.

Possible improvements
Lakeside – expand the rental cabin
offering to include more cabins and
yurts with lakeside views or access.

Increase the meeting opportunities

offered in the main building to cater to
off-season weekend retreats for families
and corporations.

Trail linkage – expand trail access

between the active area, south lakefront,
group camp, equestrian camp, and Black
Mountain.
Whatcom County
Smith & Northwest
Sports Fields
Smith & Northwest Roads, Ferndale

This 35.0-acre county property is located

on the southeast corner of Smith and
Northwest Roads east of Ferndale city
limits.

The site includes the historic county

hospital that has been converted into an
annex for the Public Works and Planning
Departments.

The Whatcom Soccer Association (WSA)

and Boys & Girls Club lease and operate
25 acres providing 12 grass soccer
fields, 4 grass 60x200 foot Little League
baseball fields, and a T-Ball field.

The Bellingham Gun Club also leases and

operates a skeet and trap range. A 1.1-
mile walking trail has been developed
around the fields.

Possible improvements
Extend trail systems around the
complete perimeter of the property
including the wetlands located south of
the Little League fields. Install
interpretive signage, rest stops, and
other trailside amenities.

Consider permitting development of

additional fields in the open space
located in the southwest corner along
Northwest Road.

Consider developing a limited stay

tournament-related camping capability
in the southwest corner of the property
along Northwest Road to support athletic
tournaments at the site.
Whatcom County
South Fork County Park
(Acme, Overby, and
Nesset Farms)
Mosquito Lake Road, Acme

These 3 farmsteads totaling 603.0-acres

are located on the South Fork of the
Nooksack River off Mosquito Lake Road.

East Acme Farm includes 262.2 acres

with 8,425 linear feet of river shoreline.

Overby Farm property includes 234.8

acres with 7,145 linear feet of river
shoreline.

The Nesset Farm includes 106.0 acres

with 5,200 linear feet of river shoreline
along with the historic Nesset homestead
that includes the home, barn, garage,
restored barn, and various sheds.

Possible improvements
Develop access and parking for the
combined park complex.

Develop trailheads and a system of

shoreline and woodland access trails
between the properties.

Develop a waterfront campground and

trailhead with picnic tables and shelter
on the East Acme farm adjacent to the
river.

Restore the Nesset homestead and use

the site and buildings for agricultural
interpretive programs.

Acquire easement and DNR property to

link the north and south portions of the
park.
Whatcom County
Squires Lake Park
Old Highway 99, Whatcom County

This 84.2-acre park property is located

off Old Highway 99 on Squires Lake on
the Whatcom/Skagit County line.
(Approximately 57.2 acres of the site are
located within Skagit County.)

The site includes a 10-acre lake with

3,300 linear feet of shoreline.

The site has been improved with 3.5

miles of trail and several rest areas
around the lake perimeter.
Whatcom County
Stimpson Family Nature
Reserve & Anderson
Property (Lake Louise
NRCA)
Lake Louise Road, Bellingham

This 350.0-acre resource conservation

area is located off Lake Louise Road east
of Bellingham city limits and includes the
Lake Louise Natural Resource
Conservation Area (NRCA)..

The reserve is a cooperative project by

the Washington Department of Natural
Resources (DNR), Washington State
Parks & Recreation Commission,
Bellingham, Whatcom Land Trust, and
Whatcom County – and is managed by
Whatcom County Parks & Recreation.

The site has been improved with a 4.0-

mile trail, trailhead, pond overlook, and
benches.

Possible improvements
Link trail access east and west through
the site with other trail opportunities on
Lookout Mountain and install a vault
toilet.
Whatcom County
Sunnyside Landing
North Shore Drive, Bellingham

This 6.2-acre multi-use park property is

located on the northeast shoreline of
Lake Whatcom and accessed from North
Shore Drive. The park site includes 700
linear feet of shoreline along the route of
the historic Bellingham Bay & Eastern
Railroad (BBE) right-of-way.

Possible improvements
Develop a multipurpose trail on the BBE
railroad grade and trestle along the
shoreline connecting the site to Lake
Whatcom Park North and the Hertz
Trail.

Develop a small day use area with

parking for the multipurpose trail and to
provide access to the Lake Whatcom
water trail system.

Note
Lake Whatcom serves as the drinking
water supply for over half of the
county’s residents and as such, all
proposed park activities must be
evaluated in the context of their impact
on water quality. In addition, parks
activities need to be consistent with
existing goals and policies of the Joint
Lake Whatcom Management Program.
Whatcom County
Sunset Farm Equestrian
Center
Blaine Road, Birch Bay

This 69.5-acre special purpose park is

located on Blaine Road in Birch Bay. The
property includes wetlands, open fields,
and woodlands.

The property contains a 3,060 square

foot stable, 1,180 square foot garage
and shop, and 1,600 square foot
residence.

The site has been improved with riding

trails, open riding areas, jumps, a round
pen, and a large outdoor arena.

The property is currently managed and

operated as a special purpose park
providing equestrian facilities and
services including horse boarding,
training, and limited competitions by the
on-site concessionaire.

Possible improvements
In association with a concessionaire
and/or agreement with an equestrian
user group, develop additional
equestrian facilities and services
including more stables and corrals,
outdoor training and competition riding
areas, and equestrian trail linkages with
surrounding sites of interest in Birch Bay
and along the Centennial Trail.

Restore and enhance the natural

drainage features and wetlands that
flow into and through the site.

Develop an access trail to Birch Bay, and

consider developing a day-use area in
the woodlands with nature trails and
exhibits, picnic tables and shelters.
Whatcom County
Whatcom County Park
Headquarters
Mount Baker Highway, Foothills

This 4.5-acre park headquarters

complex is located on Mount Baker
Highway in the Foothills area. The
complex also serves as a visitor
information center along the Mount
Baker Highway.

The site houses the Parks Department’s

3,300 square foot administrative offices,
3,500 square foot equipment garage,
4,300 square foot maintenance shop,
and 1,900 square foot paint and storage
shed.

An adjoining 1,700 square foot building

is leased to the Washington Department
of Natural Resources (DNR).