



Ride Details
Distance: 18.6 miles (or 13.2 miles*)
Elevation Gain: 979 feet (or 719 feet*)
Suggested Time: 3-4 hours
Riding Surfaces: streets & bike lanes (78%), city trails (22%)
Starting Point: Waypoint Park at 1145 Granary Ave
* Note: “Cats & Dogs Lite” is a shorter route (13.2 miles long) with less climbing (719 feet).
About the Ride
Rumor has it that there are more dogs than children in Bellingham and more cats than dogs. Whether or not this is true, it is indeed the case that Bellingham loves cats and dogs. Even if you don’t have your own four-legged furry friend, the Cats & Dogs ride is a fun one for learning about all the cat- and dog-themed places in town.
The route begins at Waypoint Park. You hardly leave the park before your first stop at Yacht Dogs. Then cycle over to NEKO Cat Cafe and Are You My Human?, where you can mingle with rescue cats and dogs. Afterwards, head on down to Beach Cat Brewing South Paw to check out the fun vibes, and then meet two shop kitties at Bellingham Wind Works. From there, enjoy a ride along the trails to the Whatcom Humane Society, where you can see the cats and dogs available for adoption. After a stop at Alleycat Bike Shop, cycle by a building with a number of Pet Murals. Then pedal over to Petstop, a locally owned pet store, before heading on to historic Fairhaven, where you’ll swing by The Black Cat. Pause your ride for a brew at Paws for a Beer, and then stop by Fairhaven Bicycles to see some merch that supports the community’s canine and feline friends. From there, pedal by the colorful Bellingham Community. Enjoy a glizzy at Dog Days before returning to Waypoint Park.
Note: Cats & Dogs Lite does not visit the Whatcom Humane Society.
The Route
Click “Send to Device” above the map to download the Cats & Dogs ride guide to the Ride with GPS app on your phone. By clicking “Send to Device,” you agree to the Terms of Use for BIKE Bellingham.
Note: Click here to view the route for the shorter Cats & Dogs Lite ride.
Need help downloading the ride guide to the app?
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Need help downloading the ride guide to the app? Want tips for using the Ride with GPS app?
Featured Businesses
The route includes stops at the following businesses. Check their hours of operation before you ride.
Yacht Dogs is where the Windy City’s famous hot dog meets the City of Subdued Excitement’s grass-fed beef franks. The stand allows Bellinghamsters the opportunity to enjoy a taste of the Midwest with a fresh take on Chicago-style hot dogs.
(360)656-5319
NEKO Cat Cafe is a popular, Japanese-inspired cat cafe and sanctuary where guests can enjoy snacks and drinks in the company of adoptable rescue cats. The space features a separated cat room where 20 to 35 cats roam freely, lounge, and interact with visitors on their own terms.
(360)656-6217
millieproject.org/areyoumyhuman
(360)526-5045
beachcatbrewing.com
(360)366-8089
Bellingham Wind Works is a premier, musician-owned music shop in the Fountain District. The shop specializes in band and orchestra instrument sales, rentals, expert repairs, and rare accessories, serving students, educators, and professionals throughout Whatcom and Skagit counties.
(360)733-5840
whatcomhumane.org
(360)733-2080
alleycatbikeshop.com
(360)778-3701
petstopinfo.net
(360)738-3663
blackcatbellingham.com
(360)733-6136
pawsforabeer.com
(360)733-7297
fairhavenbicycles.com
(360)733-4433
Kulshan Brewing’s “Dog Days” is an on-site, in-house food truck permanently parked at the Trackside Beer Garden on the Bellingham waterfront. It serves classic summer boardwalk bites designed to be eaten with one hand while enjoying a craft beer.
Where to Park
A great spot for free parking is the gravel lot across the street from the route’s starting point, Waypoint Park. If you’re unable to find a spot here, you can park nearby, though beware of metered parking.




