ALL DAY IN BELLINGHAM

Bellingham, Washington has many opportunities for all-day outdoor activity – from high alpine hikes, sailing out to the islands, or mountain biking in the backyard. The Pacific Northwest city is known for being wet and rainy year-round. Some people hate it, but dirt lovers worship it. The weather can go from drizzly in the morning to clear skies in the afternoon. It whips us around as it pleases, but provides that good dirt – that velcro we crave.

I like to start my day with fuel for my body. One of the best breakfast spots in town is called Anmly Cafe. They are known for their good coffee and simple healthy breakfast options – I load up on greens and bacon with their chef’s bowl.

After breakfast, I head across town along North Shore Drive to a trailhead by Lake Whatcom. I start my day winding up Chanterelle Trail. It is the perfect grade for climbing and showcases Bellingham’s incredible rainforest. On the downhill, I ride Brown Pow, which drops nearly 2,000 feet. This trail sits somewhere between steep and flow with lots of dirt to play in. It runs great in the wet and is perfect for our misty PNW mornings.

In the middle of the day, the clouds begin to lift, letting the sun poke through. My favorite spot for a mid-day lunch is Aslan Brewery. Their menu has something for everyone, and all of their food is so fresh. Their patio is the spot to people-watch and link up with friends for laps later in the day.

After yam fries and a brew, I make my way out to Southside Galbraith to ride Space Wolf. The trail is raw and technical with sprinkles of views along the way. This trail is more off the beaten path than SST or Unemployment Line, some of the more popular trails. This is the perfect trail for anyone wanting more of an adventurous ride on Galbraith Mountain.

The last ride of the day is on the Cedar Dust jumps, contrasting the steep tech of the afternoon. This zone has all the “turn off your brain” free-be laps. 

The Cedar Dust Jumps have become the hub of riding on Galbraith Mountain. Every time I’m up there, it feels like a family BBQ. But instead of grilling up food, we share community by chasing each other down the trail. This spot is the perfect place to end an all-day adventure because of the amount of light it receives as the day turns into dusk. In the heart of summer, the jumps stay lit until 10 p.m. I find myself riding until after the sun has set, making my way down the road in the blue light.