1. The Outback at WWU
One wouldn’t often think of a secret spot to be nestled in a well known college’s campus. The Outback at Western Washington University is an outdoor haven behind the Fairhaven dorms on Western’s campus. The community farm is a wonderland of plants, trails, forts, and even chickens. Small plots of land in The Outback are taken by Bellingham Community members to plant their own crops in. Each crop box is different, flaunting their owners’ creativity and taste in plants. A small amphitheater endearingly called The Stage by Fairhaven students is the backdrop to many social events and sits in the center of The Outback. Each time I visit, I find another gem in the 5 acre farm. Whether it be a large hammocking net tied to the trees, a swing, or freshly ripe apples hanging off of the trees, there’s always something new to look forward to in The Outback.
2. Driftwood Forts on Locust Beach
Locust itself isn’t a secret. Bellingham locals are quick to recommend Locust for visitors craving beach scenery. Makeshift campfire places occupy the area near the entrance to the beach. If you explore past the initial beach area, odds are you’ll run into a few driftwood forts. The forts aren’t a result of a bored kid leaning sticks onto a tree, though. Some of these look like they could make an appearance on Treehouse Masters but on the ground instead of up in a tree. A small cabin with a fire pit and a well thought out secret place called The Jungle Hut are my personal favorites. You’ll need to maintain stamina though because these places are tucked away and farther down the beach than you’d think.
3. Governor Listor Cliff
This scenic spot isn’t anything new for rock climbers; it’s an established crag on Blanchard Mountain. For non-rock climbers, though, Governor Listor can easily slip under their radar. A subtle entrance to the trail lays just off of marker 12 on Chuckanut Drive that’s easy to miss. A large boulder marks the start of an almost vertical trail that only goes about half a mile up until reaching the cliff. The trail switches back a few times over a creek, and fallen trees. In one section, a rope was set up to aid hikers over a particularly steep section. At the top of the trail, an impressive sandstone cliff will greet you, this is where the rock climbers can stop and get to scaling! If you aren’t a climber, or want to go further, a small trail around the cliff will lead you to a gorgeous view you can get a hearty glimpse of between the Douglas Firs.
4. Squalicum Lake
This lake is great for avid fly fishers! It’s a few miles outside of Bellingham in a rural area. The small body of water is seemingly inaccessible, but if you drive on the Mount Baker Highway and park right before Y road, you’ll find a small path that will lead you right to the lake. This is a nice area for an afternoon adventure because of its remote location and intimate scenery. If you visit Squalicum in the winter time, you might be lucky enough to be able to ice skate on it! The lake is shallow enough to freeze over if the temperature allows.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WbyqFB67Vvc&t=79s
https://fairhaven.wwu.edu/outback-farm
https://www.summitpost.org/governor-listor-cliff-b-ham-crags/190712
