In the days when the Coast Salish people were the sole inhabitants and stewards of the land, rivers, and oceans, the landscape was thick with trees. That changed beginning in the mid-1800s when the first Europeans settled in the area and felled trees to make room for homes and industries and towns. Though the land was once covered by vast old-growth forests, today we marvel at a single tall-ish tree here and there. And so it goes. Bellingham’s trees are a large part of what makes this place so magical. How much do you know about the arboreal splendor in this community? Not only does Bellingham have an impressive diversity of tree species, but many of the trees in town have a story to tell about the city’s culture and heritage. On this tour, you’ll experience plenty of shinrin-yoku (“forest bathing”) on two wheels. 

The route begins at Waypoint Park. Travel a short distance to meet a Dawn Redwood whose brothers and sisters lived back when the dinosaurs roamed the planet. Then pedal over to Elizabeth Park where you’ll meet a State Champ and pay homage to Bellingham’s tree man. Head up to Cornwall Park where you’ll see the tallest Grand Fir in town as well as a decorative snag. Cycle past a pair of Giant Sequoias on your way back through downtown, where you’ll learn about the World’s Tallest Christmas Tree. From there, head up to the WWU campus, where you’ll visit a mini-forest, meet a massive Giant Sequoia, and see a gnarly London Plane. Then you’ll head towards Fairhaven and learn about the history behind the row of Smooth Leaf Elms along State Street. See the results of an operation by a guerrilla planter before admiring the massive-yet-young Oriental Plane. Replenish your energy with a visit to the FireHouse Cafe before continuing on to learn about the royal history of the Empress Tree. Before you pedal the final miles back to Waypoint Park, treat yourself to a refreshment at Woods Coffee while enjoying the views of beautiful Bellingham Bay.