Sehome Hill Arboretum

Imagine a dense emerald forest stretching right from the doorstep of a university campus. Sehome Hill Arboretum is a remarkable natural area covering about 71 hectares, located in the southern part of Bellingham, USA. It is more than just a park; it's a true living open-air museum where regenerating second-growth forest coexists with classrooms and scientific trails.

The arboretum's territory is crisscrossed by a network of hiking trails totaling over 10 kilometers. This site serves as an important ecological corridor and home to many species of native plants and wildlife. Thanks to its elevated location, Sehome Hill is one of the city's best viewpoints, offering guests a harmonious blend of wild nature and the academic atmosphere of the neighboring university.

The significance of this place lies in its versatility: it hosts scientific research, outdoor biology lessons, and, of course, daily strolls for city residents. Information plaques placed along the trails turn an ordinary hike into a fascinating journey through the world of botany and the ecology of the Pacific Northwest.

To check the latest information on events or visiting rules, you can use the official contact details of the park administration.

The main magnet for visitors is the majestic 24-meter-high observation tower. Climbing its wooden structure, you will be rewarded with a breathtaking panorama of Bellingham Bay, views of city blocks, and the distant silhouettes of the islands. It's an ideal spot for photography, especially during sunset hours when the light falls softly on the water.

History buffs and fans of unusual engineering should head to the man-made tunnel, carved into the rock in 1923. A walk through this passage allows you to feel the atmosphere of the past century. Also, check out the Doug Fir Trail, where you can see impressive geological outcroppings and vertical rock walls that recall the hill's ancient origins.

For those seeking solitude, the arboretum's trails offer endless opportunities for nature watching. Here, you can study rare species of mushrooms, listen to the songs of forest birds, or look for traces of the old quarry where sandstone was once mined. Thanks to the variety of routes, both casual walkers and experienced hikers ready for elevation changes will feel comfortable in the park.

Getting to this natural corner is easy, as it is located in close proximity to the central part of the city. The main entrance is at 600 25th St, right on the border with the Western Washington University campus. If you are planning a trip by car, the drive from the center will take only 5–10 minutes; parking spaces are provided at the main entrances to the arboretum.

For those who prefer public transport, the most convenient option is the local Whatcom Transportation Authority (WTA) buses that run to the WWU campus. From the university stops, the forest trails are just a few minutes' walk away. The park is also easily accessible by bicycle, which is very popular among locals and students.

It is important to remember that the historic tunnel located on the grounds is now for pedestrians only. Car traffic on Arboretum Drive is restricted, creating ideal conditions for quiet walks without engine noise. Before visiting, it is recommended to download a trail map from the official city website to better navigate the hilly terrain.

The history of this place began as far back as 1854, when surveyor J. Wilson Lyall staked a claim here and built a cabin. He originally hoped to mine coal, but the hill's rugged terrain thwarted those plans. In the late 19th century, the landscape changed significantly: first through active logging, and then with the opening of the Sehome Quarry. It was from the durable Chuckanut sandstone quarried here that the foundation of the famous Old Main building at the local university was built.

The idea to turn the area into a public space arose in 1891, when benefactor C.X. Larrabee proposed setting aside land for a park. Sehome Hill Park was officially established in 1893. A major milestone was the construction of Huntoon Drive in 1923 under the direction of engineer Burt Huntoon. It was then that a unique tunnel was hand-carved into the rock, which today remains one of the arboretum's main architectural highlights.

The area officially received its status as an arboretum in 1969. Today, its management is an example of successful cooperation between the city of Bellingham and Western Washington University. A joint board oversees the preservation of the ecosystem and the implementation of the development master plan, updated in 2004.

One must also not forget the deep roots of this land. The Sehome neighborhood is the only one in the city named after an ancestor of the Indigenous peoples of the Coast Salish (including the Lummi tribes). For thousands of years, this territory was home to Indigenous residents whose lives and culture were inextricably linked with the local cedars and salmon-rich waters.

To simply enjoy the views from the observation deck and take a short walk, most visitors need 1 to 1.5 hours. This is enough time to climb the tower and walk through the historic tunnel.

If you plan to explore the trail network in detail, which totals about 10 kilometers, or if you are interested in geological features and studying local flora, it is worth setting aside half a day for your visit. The arboretum invites slow contemplation, so nature lovers certainly won't want to rush here.

The arboretum is open to visitors daily from 06:00 to 19:00. This allows guests to enjoy both the early morning hours when nature is just waking up and the pre-sunset time.

Since operating hours may vary slightly depending on the season or university events, it is recommended to check the official website of the city or Western Washington University before your trip to confirm the current schedule.

A walk through the arboretum pairs perfectly with seeing other city attractions. Since the park is adjacent to the university campus and close to the waterfront, you can easily round out your itinerary by visiting historic buildings or scenic parks.

Exploring the surroundings will help you get a better feel for the region's atmosphere — from its industrial past to modern open-air art installations.