People rating: n/a
Dog rating: n/a

Bellingham off-leash areas are established by City Ordinance 9044 and 9561. City Policy PAR 3.01.20 designates the off-leash areas as follows:

• Arroyo Park: All trails.
• Lake Padden Park: The training area marked behind the athletic field restroom facilities in southeastern part of the park in the area bounded by four (4) white posts marked "Dog Exercise Area"; bridle trails in the wooded portion of the Park west of Padden Creek Dam and Ruby Creek entrance inot the Lake; and the trails in the south end of Lake Padden between the golf course power lines and trailhead off Samish Way. Dogs are required to be on a leash when on the around-the-lake trail. A dog water exercise area near the ballfield area is signed for dog training/exercise. Dogs are restricted to entering Lake Padden only at this area.
• Sunset Pond and Bug Lake: All trails plus the water is designated for water exercise and training area.
• Whatcom Falls Park: All trails across Whatcom Creek stone bridge north of the creek.
• Post Point Treatment Area: The field, trails and the lagoon water designated area adjacent to the treatment facility are open for dog training and exercise. City park regulations apply to this area.
• Sehome Hill Arboretum: All secondary trails. Dogs must be on leashes on all paved trails plus the Jersey Street and Arboretum Walkway which are the two trails at the bottom of the Arboretum abutting the University campus.
• Little Squalicum Park: All trails, plus the water, are designated for water exercise and training area.
• Bloedel Dononvan Park: The Park is designated an off leash park only from November 1 to May 1, from 6am-10am. The beach area is open for a water exercise area during this time (western edge of Lake Whatcom).
  Directions: From I-5, take Exit 253/Lakeway Drive. Travel east (toward the mountains) on Lakeway Dr. for two miles until the Y in the road. Take the left fork (Electric Avenue) for about 1 mile. The park is on the right.

• Port of Bellhingham: In addition, the Port of Bellingham has an off-leash area at Marine Park, located near the Bellingham Tranportation Center (ferry building). Directions: From I-5, take Exit 250/Old Fairhaven Pkwy west (downhill). Turn right on 12th St. (about 2 miles). Turn left on Harris Ave. (3 blocks). Turn left into the sanitation plant. The path begins at the west (right) side of the plant. The path goes to an off leash area and salt water pond. There is a very long on-leash walking path that terminates in this park. Alternatively, access via Marine Park by walking across the railroad tracks. To get to Marine Park (200 Harris Ave.), take I-5 Old Fairhaven Parkway exit, go down the parkway to 12th street and go right. Turn left on Harris and follow the road to the water and the park.

Links
• Bellingham Parks & Recreation partial listing

Last updated 10/02