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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

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.8 · 239 reviews

Type

Park

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

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

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