Discover 17 top hikes with Hotel Bellwether as your starting point. From urban paths just steps away, to forest trails, island viewpoints, and Mount Baker classics, adventure begins here.
Each of these hikes are detailed in our full-color guide.
Urban Hikes
Squalicum Pier
Downtown Park Loop
Fairhaven Park to Woodstock Farms
Sehome Hill Arboretum
Whatcom Falls Park Loop
Scenic Hikes
Clayton Beach
Fragrance Lake
Lost Lake
Chanterelle Trail
Stimpson Family Nature Reserve
Oyster Dome
Mountain Hikes
Artist Point
Chain Lakes Loop
Picture Lake
Nooksack Falls
Island Hikes
Vendovi Island
Cypress Island: Eagle Cliff
Meet Your Guides
To schedule a guided group hike during your stay at Hotel Bellwether, email Takeahike@hotelbellwether.com
An engaging guide and lifelong outdoor enthusiast with a gift for storytelling. Drawing from a background in regional history, recreation, and community engagement, Todd leads hikes that bring both the natural and social history of a place to life. Whether on a forest trail or in an urban park, Todd shares fascinating insights and anecdotes that invite participants to see familiar places with new eyes—and leave with a deeper appreciation of their surroundings.
Todd Elsworth
Guide
A passionate naturalist and skilled guide who helps individuals and groups connect deeply with the natural world. With years of experience leading outdoor experiences for people of all ages, she weaves science, storytelling, and mindfulness into her hikes—creating an inspiring and restorative experience for participants. Elizabeth’s calm, inclusive approach encourages curiosity and invites guests to slow down and tune in to the beauty and wisdom of the landscape.
Elizabeth Nelson
Guide
A Bellingham-based author, hiker, and trails advocate behind Tired Dogs Press. A retired federal energy specialist, Ken has written several hiking and conservation books, including guides from Washington State to D.C.
Ken Wilcox
Guide
Meet Your Guides
To schedule a guided group hike during your stay at Hotel Bellwether, email Takeahike@hotelbellwether.com
An engaging guide and lifelong outdoor enthusiast with a gift for storytelling. Drawing from a background in regional history, recreation, and community engagement, Todd leads hikes that bring both the natural and social history of a place to life. Whether on a forest trail or in an urban park, Todd shares fascinating insights and anecdotes that invite participants to see familiar places with new eyes—and leave with a deeper appreciation of their surroundings.
Todd Elsworth
Guide
A passionate naturalist and skilled guide who helps individuals and groups connect deeply with the natural world. With years of experience leading outdoor experiences for people of all ages, she weaves science, storytelling, and mindfulness into her hikes—creating an inspiring and restorative experience for participants. Elizabeth’s calm, inclusive approach encourages curiosity and invites guests to slow down and tune in to the beauty and wisdom of the landscape.
Elizabeth Nelson
Guide
A Bellingham-based author, hiker, and trails advocate behind Tired Dogs Press. A retired federal energy specialist, Ken has written several hiking and conservation books, including guides from Washington State to D.C.
Ken Wilcox
Guide
Meet Your Guides
Todd Elsworth
An engaging guide and lifelong outdoor enthusiast with a gift for storytelling. Drawing from a background in regional history, recreation, and community engagement, Todd leads hikes that bring both the natural and social history of a place to life. Whether on a forest trail or in an urban park, Todd shares fascinating insights and anecdotes that invite participants to see familiar places with new eyes—and leave with a deeper appreciation of their surroundings.
Elizabeth Nelson
A passionate naturalist and skilled guide who helps individuals and groups connect deeply with the natural world. With years of experience leading outdoor experiences for people of all ages, she weaves science, storytelling, and mindfulness into her hikes—creating an inspiring and restorative experience for participants. Elizabeth’s calm, inclusive approach encourages curiosity and invites guests to slow down and tune in to the beauty and wisdom of the landscape.
Ken Wilcox
A Bellingham-based author, hiker, and trails advocate behind Tired Dogs Press. A retired federal energy specialist, Ken has written several hiking and conservation books, including guides from Washington State to D.C.
Island Hikes with Island Opportunity Charters
Expand Your Hiking Adventure to the San Juan Islands
Expand your Take a Hike adventure beyond the mainland with direct access to the beautiful San Juan Islands through our partnership with Island Opportunity Charters.
Island Opportunity Charters provides convenient departures from Hotel Bellwether’s private dock, offering guests a seamless and memorable way to explore nearby island trails. Their well-equipped vessel supports dependable passenger transport, scenic day trips, and customized outings, making island hiking accessible in every season.
Trip Details
Direct pickup from Hotel Bellwether dock
Scenic transportation to San Juan Island hiking destinations
Vendovi
Cypress- Eagle Cliff
Sucia
Three-person minimum per trip
Smaller groups may be combined with other passengers when available
How to Book
Hotel Bellwether Sales Team
Our hotel sales team is happy to assist with coordinating your island adventure and can custom build your experience including guided hikes.
Email: takeahike@hotelbellwether.com
Island Opportunity Charters
Guests may also book directly with Island Opportunity Charters.
Website: islandopportunitycharters.com
Phone: (360) 355-3610
Email: info@islandopportunitycharters.com
Discover breathtaking island trails, scenic shorelines, and unforgettable Pacific Northwest views, all as part of your Take a Hike experience at Hotel Bellwether.
