Whatcom Falls Park
Whatcom Falls Park - a century of history
In the 1890's, the Whatcom Falls area was known as the "Picnic Ground", popular for biking, walking and picnicking. When the private landowners planned to sell, Bellingham citizens wanted it purchased for a city park.
Like other towns at this time, the City of Bellingham did not have funds for parks. Land purchases depended on local philanthropists andvolunteers provided maintenance.
In 1908 the Young Men's Commercial Club raised funds to purchase the original forty acres for $12,000, about half the value of the land. The city later reimbursed the club. During the 1920's, organizations like Whatcom Falls Park Club, Ladies Cooperative Society of Elizabeth Park, Y.M.C.C. and private individuals donated trails, plantings, play equipment, picnic shelters and wooden bridges across the creek. The Great Depression of the 1930's brought federal money to purchase most of the park's current 241 acres.
In 1936, Federal, State Game Commission and Whatcom County Sportsmen's Association funds built the fish hatchery. Roosevelt's New Deal Works Progress Administration paid workers to move the Chuckanut sandstone arches from a downtown burned-out building to the park. In 1939 the sandstone was used to construct the landmark stone bridge.
Fire devastated the park on June 10, 1999. A buried pipeline burst, spilling over 200,000 gallons of gasoline into Hannah and Whatcom Creeks. In 30 seconds, 1.5 miles of the creek's riparian habitat burned. Flames shot 200 feet high; smoke rose five miles into the sky, and three young lives were lost. Many agencies continue working together to restore the burn area, a project expected to take decades.
When you visit the park, please stay on the marked trails and out of fragile areas. Avoid social trails and help the park heal.
Amenities
- Barbecue Grills
- Dog Off Leash Area (Regulations PDF)
- Fish Hatchery
- Fishing Derby Pond
- Multipurpose Fields
- Outdoor Basketball Court
- Parking
- Picnic Shelters
- Picnic Tables
- Playgrounds
- Restrooms
- Tennis Courts
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