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Stimpson Family Nature Reserve
4.8 ★★★★★ 313 Google reviews · Running trail in Bellingham, Washington · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Crushed gravel
- Loop distance
- 4 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Stimpson Family Nature Reserve's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Well-kept trails winding through dense forests and wetlands for walks and running.
What runners say about Stimpson Family Nature Reserve
“Paths are well maintained and there’s a bathroom at the trailhead.”
“We saw beautiful views throughout the green, lush woodland and stopped to take photos at the end of the adorable lake.”
“The trails were marked and easy to navigate.”
“So peaceful and serene amongst the ferns and trees covered with moss.”
“A great little walk/hike for all levels.”
A beautiful easy hike. It’s family friendly and easy for kids as young as 2 to go on. There are many areas to explore. The trees are huge. We went on a Friday and it wasn’t bad.
Stimpson Family Nature Preserve is now my favorite hike. It's not too challenging on how many miles or incline climbing. It doesn't have a amazing high up view like Oyster Dome or Raptor's Ridge. It makes up in views in the beautiful lush forest. Amazing amount of wild life.
No dogs! My dog would have loved it here. There are plenty of places to take your four-legged friend in Whatcom County but this is just for you. This place is a piece of heaven. Some sections are tougher than others but over all it is a great place to unwind and just walk or run.
A very beautiful trail! There were a few trees that blocked the path but it was fairly easy to get around. The trail is well marked. No dogs are allowed. I believe the trail flows in one direction so you're not passing people. It was a really quiet, peaceful experience. There is a lot of tree coverage.
Trail conditions & character
“We saw beautiful views throughout the green, lush woodland and stopped to take photos at the end of the adorable lake.”
“So peaceful and serene amongst the ferns and trees covered with moss.”
“Seems to be very popular as the parking lot was full at 11AM but at about 1PM the lot was less than half full A few logs over the path but they are easy to step over.”
“We took the smaller lake loop trail and it only took about an hour to complete.”
“Paths are well maintained and there’s a bathroom at the trailhead.”
Plan your run at Stimpson Family Nature Reserve
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfaceCrushed gravel — the rail-trail classic: softer than asphalt, still smooth enough for tempo work
- Loop distance4 mi back to where you parked
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitewhatcomcounty.us
- Phone(360) 778-5850
Running trails near Bellingham
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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