Finishing a long, hot ride with a swim is a classic Bellingham summer ritual. There’s no better way to wash off the sweat and dust than a plunge into one of the many swimming holes around town. Here are a few of our top ride/swim combinations. Feel free to add your favorites in the comments section below.
Lake Padden
Galbraith / Lake Padden – Finishing a Galbraith mountain bike ride with a swim in Lake Padden is a sure sign that summer has arrived. Located only 1.5 miles from the Galbraith Lane parking lot, Lake Padden has picnic spots, hiking and biking trails, and sometimes, if you’re lucky, an ice cream man who drives a white mini van.
Fragrance Lake
Fragrance Lake – The perfect place to stop mid-ride and go for a swim. Suggested mountain bike route: ride up Cleator Road, down Double Black, swim, down Two Dollar Trail.
Lake Whatcom – There are a number of great road rides within close proximity to Lake Whatcom. North Shore Drive to Y Road is popular, or for a longer ride you can head out to Deming Road, which parallels 542, go through Acme on Route 9, then turn right onto Park Road to start working your way around the lake towards town. Don’t forget to stop at Bloedel Donovan park for a swim before you’re done.
Clayton Beach– Pack a picnic, then ride on the gravel Interurban Trail from town (it’s about 9 miles) to Larrabee State Park. Lock up your bike, then hike down to the beach to wade or swim in the bay. If the tide is right, you might even spot brightly colored starfish.
Fairhaven Bike & Ski 