We are kicking off the new year with the annual Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism Photo Contest! 📷 Eric Brown
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Lake Whatcom Park Hertz Trail

4.8
·239 reviews·Bellingham, United States

Hertz Trail offers a serene 6.2-mile lakeside walk through shaded forests, perfect for a relaxing escape in Bellingham.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, ample parking

CrowdLow
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 We are kicking off the new year with the annual Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism Photo Contest! 📷 Eric Brown

Lake Whatcom Park Hertz Trail

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, ample parking

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Hertz Trail offers a serene 6.2-mile lakeside walk through shaded forests, perfect for a relaxing escape in Bellingham.

4.8
(239 reviews)

"Easy walk/hike along the edge of the lake made for great viewing of fall foliage."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Parking is Limited

The main parking lot fills up quickly, especially on weekends. Arrive early or consider the alternate trailhead parking.

🐶 Dogs Welcome on Leash

Bring your furry friends along for the hike, but ensure they are leashed at all times.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Lakeside Meandering

Lakeside Meandering

Hertz Trail

Enjoy a mostly flat, 6.2-mile out-and-back trail with constant, beautiful views of Lake Whatcom.

Shady Forest Canopy

Shady Forest Canopy

Lake Whatcom Park

Escape the heat with ample shade provided by the lush forest canopy, perfect for hot summer days.

Fishing and Swimming Spots

Fishing and Swimming Spots

Lake Whatcom shoreline

Discover numerous spots along the trail ideal for a refreshing dip or a peaceful afternoon of fishing.

Old Stone Bridge & Waterfall

Old Stone Bridge & Waterfall

Near Whatcom Falls

A beautiful, historic stone bridge and a cascading waterfall offer picturesque scenery and photo opportunities.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit to Hertz Trail

Beat the crowds by visiting Hertz Trail during weekdays, especially in the morning. Weekends can get busy, and parking is limited. Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons for fewer people and beautiful foliage.

Trail Etiquette and Accessibility

Hertz Trail is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. Remember to keep dogs on a leash and be mindful of other hikers. While the main Hertz Trail is relatively flat, some other trails in Lake Whatcom Park offer more challenging terrain.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, ample parking
Crowd
Low
When
Fall
Why
Stunning autumn foliage
Crowd
Medium
When
Summer afternoons
Why
Shady and cool by the lake
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🌲🌲☁️🏔️☁️🌲🌲 .• .• .• #pnw #fypシ #fypシ゚viral #washingtonstate #pacificnorthwest #whatcomcounty #fypp #bellinghamwa #bellingham #goodvibes #naturevibes #pnwvibes #naturetrails #Outdoors #suspentionbridge #bakerriver #riverscene #scenery #naturescenery #moody #moodyvibes #moods #hikemore #pnwonderland
@sraetz3
36.9K likes • 247.8K views

🚗 Parking is Limited

The main parking lot fills up quickly, especially on weekends. Arrive early or consider the alternate trailhead parking. Reddit

🐶 Dogs Welcome on Leash

Bring your furry friends along for the hike, but ensure they are leashed at all times. Reddit

Here’s some of the places I love to show off when I have visitors! #whatcomcounty #bellingham #traveltok #pnw #ski #sail #hike #granola
@bellinghamexperience
6.6K likes • 82.8K views
The best mid afternoon run on the Hertz trail at Lake Whatcom Park 😍🏃‍♀️ #waterviews #whatcomcounty #bellinghome #bham #bellinghamtrails #pnwliving #pnwlifestyle
whatcomcountylife
31 likes • 385 views

☀️ Beat the Heat

The dense forest provides great shade, making it an ideal spot for a cool escape on hot summer days. Reddit

🥾 Trail Variety

While Hertz Trail is flat, explore other steeper trails in Lake Whatcom Park for different views and challenges. Reddit

Want some Twilight vibes or just a rainy day adventure? Definitely check out Whatcom lake and falls in Bellingham WA this time of year! *Save for a future trip!* With over 4 miles of foggy trails and cascading waterfalls, this area will check off all those moody vibes 🖤 . . . #twilight #moody #vibes #nature #rainyday #Hiking #washingtonstate
@spirithiker
3K likes • 28K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Parking is Limited

The main parking lot fills up quickly, especially on weekends. Arrive early or consider the alternate trailhead parking. Reddit

🐶 Dogs Welcome on Leash

Bring your furry friends along for the hike, but ensure they are leashed at all times. Reddit

☀️ Beat the Heat

The dense forest provides great shade, making it an ideal spot for a cool escape on hot summer days. Reddit

🥾 Trail Variety

While Hertz Trail is flat, explore other steeper trails in Lake Whatcom Park for different views and challenges. Reddit

🎣 Lakeside Access

Many spots along the trail offer easy access to the lake for fishing or a quick swim. Reddit

📸 Photo Ops Galore

Don't miss the charming old stone bridge and the beautiful waterfall for memorable photos. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.8
(239 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Lake Whatcom Park's Hertz Trail for its beautiful lakeside views, ample shade, and easy, flat terrain, making it ideal for a relaxing walk. The accessibility for dogs and the presence of swimming/fishing spots are also highlights. Some find the parking limited and wish for more varied terrain or open spaces.

"This is the eastern shore of Whatcom Lake. Popular trails basically from the same parking lots are Chanterelle and Hertz Trails. Hertz Trail is one way out and back 6.2 miles. The trail is fairly flat, meandering lakeside There were many fishing and swimming holes people could slip into for spending time on the lake. Good place to come when it is hot outside- lots of shade. Limited parking can get crowded."

E “Perigrinator” B

"Highly recommend!
Easy walk/hike along the edge of the lake made for great viewing of fall foliage for this West Texas girl who doesn't deal with elevation gain well😅🤣.
Dogs are welcome on a leash."

deborah c

"10/15/22 it was pretty cool. a little disappointed, hoped for more. but, the old stone bridge, big waterfall and creek were beautiful. there's several dirt paths meandering through the park which is covered with the forrest canopy. we got to experience the early autumn colors, just beginning to change

theres restrooms and a small play area for kids"

Layne Allyson

What People Like

Beautiful lakeside views
Plenty of shade
Easy, flat trail

What People Dislike

Limited parking
Can be crowded

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Hertz Trail is located within Lake Whatcom Park on the eastern shore of the lake. The main trailhead is accessible from the main park entrance, but parking can be limited. There's also an alternate trailhead parking lot nearby. Reddit

Information on public transportation directly to Lake Whatcom Park is limited. It's generally recommended to drive or use ride-sharing services. TikTok

From downtown Bellingham, head east on Lakeway Drive, which will eventually turn into North Shore Road. Follow North Shore Road to the park entrance. Signs will guide you to the Hertz Trail parking area. TikTok

Yes, Lake Whatcom Park is a well-known local spot. Follow signs for Lake Whatcom and the park entrance. TikTok

While the main Hertz Trail is an out-and-back from the primary trailhead, Lake Whatcom Park has other interconnected trails that may offer different access points or loops. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Lake Whatcom Park and the Hertz Trail are generally free to access. There are no admission fees required to enter the park or use the trails. TikTok

While specific hours aren't always posted, parks are typically open from dawn until dusk. It's best to check local park regulations or visit during daylight hours. TikTok

No, tickets are not required for the Hertz Trail. It's a public park, and access is free and open to all. Reddit

The main restriction is to follow park rules, including keeping dogs on a leash and respecting the natural environment. Reddit

Lake Whatcom Park is generally accessible year-round, though trail conditions may vary with weather. Winter can bring snow and ice. TikTok

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

The Hertz Trail is considered an easy hike. It's a relatively flat, 6.2-mile out-and-back trail that meanders along the lakeside. Reddit

Hiking the full 6.2-mile out-and-back trail can take approximately 2-3 hours, depending on your pace and how often you stop to enjoy the views. Reddit

Yes, there are restrooms available within Lake Whatcom Park, which is convenient for longer visits. Reddit

The flat nature of the Hertz Trail makes it suitable for families. There's also a small play area for kids in the park. Reddit

You can expect beautiful lakeside views, lush forest scenery, and opportunities to see early autumn colors if visiting in the fall. TikTokReddit

📸 📸 Photography

The lakeside views along the Hertz Trail are stunning, especially during sunrise or sunset. The old stone bridge and waterfall near Whatcom Falls are also highly photogenic. TikTokReddit

Absolutely! The foggy trails and cascading waterfalls, especially during rainy or overcast days, create a wonderfully moody and atmospheric vibe, reminiscent of 'Twilight' scenes. TikTok

Early mornings or late afternoons offer the best light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and enhancing the natural beauty of the lake and forest. TikTok

Drone usage in parks is often restricted. It's advisable to check with the local park authorities or city regulations regarding drone operation before flying. TikTok

While the entire trail offers lovely views, keep an eye out for clearings that provide unobstructed vistas of the lake and surrounding mountains. Clark's Point, though not directly on Hertz Trail, offers incredible views in the area. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Lake Whatcom Park is a fantastic destination for families. The Hertz Trail offers a gentle, flat path perfect for little legs and strollers, allowing everyone to enjoy the beautiful lakeside scenery. Reddit Beyond the trails, the park features a small play area for kids, providing a fun break for younger visitors. Reddit The numerous spots along the lake also offer opportunities for supervised water play or a picnic lunch, making it a well-rounded family outing. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Solo Hikers & Dog Owners

Solo hikers will find the Hertz Trail to be a safe and enjoyable option, with its well-maintained path and frequent sightings of other park-goers, especially during peak times. Reddit For dog owners, the park is very welcoming, allowing dogs on a leash to join in the adventure. Reddit The 6.2-mile length provides a good workout, and the consistent shade is a bonus for both humans and their canine companions on warmer days. Reddit

📸 Photographers Seeking Moody Scenery

If you're looking for dramatic and atmospheric shots, head to Lake Whatcom Park and the nearby Whatcom Falls. The foggy trails and cascading waterfalls create a moody ambiance, perfect for capturing unique, evocative images. TikTok The old stone bridge adds a picturesque element, and the lush, green surroundings offer endless opportunities for nature photography, especially during the fall foliage season. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring Lake Whatcom Park's Trails

Lake Whatcom Park is a gem for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a variety of trails beyond the popular Hertz Trail. The Chanterelle Trail is another favorite, known for its winding switchbacks through diverse forests and a rewarding 1,000 feet of elevation gain, leading to enchanting overlooks. TikTok For those seeking a more challenging hike, there's mention of a new trail being built that promises a good test of endurance. Reddit

These trails showcase the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest, with options for both leisurely strolls and more strenuous climbs. Whether you're looking for lakeside serenity or panoramic views, Lake Whatcom Park has something to offer. Remember to wear appropriate footwear, especially if venturing onto steeper or less maintained paths. TikTok+1

The Allure of Bellingham's Outdoors

Bellingham and Whatcom County are renowned for their abundant outdoor adventures, making them a prime destination for nature lovers. From the shores of Lake Whatcom to the surrounding mountains and forests, there's a constant invitation to explore. Activities abound, including mountain biking, hiking, swimming, boating, and even skiing and snowboarding in the nearby mountains. TikTok

This region offers a lifestyle deeply connected to nature, attracting those who appreciate a blend of natural beauty and recreational opportunities. The pnw vibes are strong here, with lush greenery, stunning water views, and a generally relaxed atmosphere. TikTok+1 It's a place where you can easily find yourself immersed in the wilderness, whether it's a quick hike after work or a full day of exploration. TikTok

Capturing Moody Vibes at Whatcom Falls

For those drawn to atmospheric and moody scenery, Whatcom Falls Park is a must-visit, especially during the wetter months. The park's trails, often shrouded in fog, combined with cascading waterfalls and the gentle flow of Whatcom Creek, create an enchanting, almost ethereal landscape. TikTok This setting is perfect for capturing those 'Twilight' vibes that many visitors seek. TikTok

The combination of lush, damp forests and the dramatic water features makes for incredibly photogenic conditions. Even on a rainy day, the park comes alive with a unique beauty. The old stone bridge adds a touch of historic charm to the natural splendor, making it a focal point for photographers. Reddit

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