Warm and sunny seasons may pass by quickly in the Pacific Northwest, but you can count on the towns along the coast for a good sunset any day of the week. Characterized by an unparalleled view of the San Juan Islands and glimpses of Point Roberts and Victoria Island, you can watch the sun dip behind Bellingham Bay from a host of stunning beaches, hills and parks.
It wasn’t easy, but we’ve narrowed down our top spots to witness this beautiful daily ritual — just make sure to check the forecast for clouds or rain showers before you go!
Larrabee State Park is a local favorite, situated along the Chuckanut Drive Scenic Byway that many consider Washington state’s Big Sur. Distinguished by towering old-growth forests, with hikes, trails, and camping for the whole family, Larrabee is our top recommendation for any new-to-Bellingham tourists. And with more than 8,000 feet of coastline, there are infinite amazing sunset-watching spots, so you’ll easily find a favorite.
One of our top picks is Clayton Beach, a long, sandy stretch located at the southern tip of the park (though technically this beach is located in Bow). The walk to the beach from the Lost Lake parking lot takes 10-15 minutes and is not wheelchair accessible. It winds through the forest on a well-loved trail, with a slight decline as you walk over railroad tracks to the beach. We love Clayton for its stunning rock-formations and sandy beach, plus it’s also a quieter alternative to popular places such as Boulevard Park which are often overcrowded.
You won’t find Clark’s Point on many blog posts like this, but this hidden gem is beloved by residents of Fairhaven. Located deep in the Edgemoor Neighborhood, visitors will travel along many suburban roads to find a sign for West Clark Viewpoint. A short trail leads to a small clearing upon a rocky cliff. Visitors can enjoy watching birds and sea life play along the rocky shore before the sunset. It’s hard to describe just how special a sunset could be here over other places. But what can we say? It’s the magic of Bellingham.
Read about the history of Clark’s Point here.
If you’re looking to put some work in before you lounge on the mountainside, look no further than Oyster Dome. This hike is a fixture of Bellingham life, winding unforgivingly up Blanchard Mountain for 2.5 miles. But once you reach the top, you’ll have the best view of the San Juan Islands in Whatcom County.
Just make sure to leave early enough to make the hike by sunset and bring headlamps for the hike down.
Pro tip: for a wheelchair-accessible alternative to Oyster Dome, check out Samish Overlook. The road up can be a bit bumpy, but once you’ve arrived at the parking lot, you have immediate access to an epic view of the bay from above!
This is the mecca for all things first dates, epic runs, morning swims and — of course — unrivaled sunsets. Boulevard Park is the midpoint between Bellingham and Fairhaven, accessible via the Interurban Trail for bikers and runners and a parking lot for daily visitors. With two sandy beaches, a playground and open areas to run and play, this spot is fun for the whole family. Walk along the grassy trails at Boulevard Park and stop to get the kids a hot chocolate at Woods Coffee, then continue to the elevated boardwalk for a stunning trip over the clear waters of Bellingham Bay to Taylor Dock.
Parking at Boulevard Park can be spotty during the summer months, as this is inarguably the most popular spot for locals. A good alternative is to start your walk at Taylor Dock or in Fairhaven, then watch the sunset from the beach at Boulevard.
The amazing thing about Bellingham is that you can see the sunset from just about everywhere! Downtown Bellingham is no different, and there are a host of amazing parks you can stop by to enjoy the view. Our favorite spots close to downtown are (in order of distance to central downtown) Waypoint Park, Zuanich Point Park and Little Squalicum Park.
Waypoint Park is the newest addition to Bellingham and features a modern playground, a rocky beach perfect for skipping rocks and a beautiful grassy lawn. Located on the waterfront, this is Bellingham’s new center for development and will only feature more businesses and restaurants in the years to come.
Zuanich Point Park is located at the Port of Bellingham. Watch as boats come into the marina after a day of sailing and commercial fisherman unload their catch of the day as you walk along the paved paths of the harbor to one of many renowned seafood restaurants. This is a great place to go if you’d like to witness Bellingham light up under the dropping sun, as you’ll have spectacular views of both Bellingham Bay and Sehome Hill.
Little Squalicum Park is located just past Zuanich. Head up to the upper parking lot for a beautiful walk through a woodland park to a long beach where dogs run off-leash and visitors collect driftwood and skip rocks on the mirror-like water. At low-tide, this beach transforms into a sea of mud flats that allow onlookers to walk out and explore various forms of ocean life. Lift up rocks to find little crabs scuttling along the seabed while you watch the sunset behind the San Juan Islands.
We hope this guide has helped you with your search for the best sunset in Bellingham! Did we miss your favorite? Send us an email at socialmedia@pointrobertspress.com so we can feature your top pick on our social media! And don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more West Coast trip planning inspiration.
