We steadily go to Bellingham, WA and a part of what I like in regards to the city is that it’s very canine pleasant.
Certainly one of my first stops once we arrive is the Lake Padden canine park the place my pups can stretch their legs and work off some vitality.
It’s handy as a result of it isn’t removed from the freeway and is exclusive as a result of there are alternatives for canine that want a fence to maintain them from operating off, canine that wish to hike off leash, and canine that wish to swim.
Concerning the Lake Padden Canine Park
The off leash canine park at Lake Padden was one of many first fenced off leash canine parks in Bellingham and is the most well-liked.
The Lake Padden canine park features a fenced off-leash canine run, unfenced mountain climbing trails the place you possibly can legally hike along with your canine off leash, and canine pleasant lake entry.
Fenced off leash canine park
The fenced off leash canine park is massive and has a separate space for small canine.
The big canine space is securely fenced on three sides and the fourth boundary is a wetland creek space.
The small canine portion is absolutely fenced.
There’s one double gate to enter the fenced off leash space.
After you enter into the primary gate, you’ve the choice of taking a second gate to the appropriate into the massive canine space or the gate to the left into the small canine space.
The floor is dust with a skinny overlaying of grass and weeds.
Essentially the most used components of the massive canine space had been considerably muddy.
The again half of the massive canine space, and the small canine space, nonetheless had most of their grass overlaying – presumably as a result of they don’t see as a lot use.
Facilities close to the off-leash space embrace a rest room, a small lined space with a picnic bench inside the massive canine space, and a picnic to sit down on within the small canine space.
Eash time I’ve visited, there have been a number of canine taking part in within the massive canine space.
However the small canine space is hit and miss – you’ll have all of it to your self or there could also be different small canine there (or perhaps a potbellied pig, which we noticed as soon as).
Off leash trails
There are a number of trails on the hill to the southwest of the lake that permit canine to hike off leash, however they have to stay below voice management.
In the event you’re in search of a flatter, much less muddy stroll along with your canine, there’s a 2.5 gravel path round Lake Padden however it’s designated on leash solely.
Canine swim park
Lake Padden is the one official canine park with a lake in Bellingham so it’s an excellent selection for canine that wish to swim.
There’s a very small, non-fenced, off-leash lake entry alongside the shoreline of the lake.
There’s a good slope into the water and the water was shallow – one to 2 toes deep – close to the shore.
Getting There
The Lake Padden Canine Park is positioned only a few minutes from the I5 freeway.
If you’re headed north on the freeway, you’ll take exit 246 and you’ll take exit 252 if headed south.
Utilizing the bodily deal with of Lake Padden park
The bodily deal with of the park is 4882 S Samish Method, Bellingham, WA.
In the event you kind this deal with into Google Maps, you’ll doubtless hear “you’ve arrived” after you’ve handed the park entrance (if heading North) or earlier than you get there (if heading south).
Don’t fear, if you’re headed south on Samish method, drive a number of hundred toes additional and you will notice the doorway in your proper.
If you’re headed north, begin in search of the doorway on the left a number of hundred toes earlier than the map pin.
In the event you Google instructions to Lake Padden canine park
Beware for those who use Google Maps and ask for instructions to “Lake Padden Canine park”.
Google instructions it’s going to say “you’ve arrived” while you’re nonetheless on the principle street (Samish Method) and, whenever you look within the route of the map pin, all you will notice is bushes.
Google Maps will not be fully incorrect – the Lake Padden canine park is there however by the bushes.
To get to the off-leash space, use the east entrance into Lake Padden Park off of Samish Method.
If you’re coming from the north and heading south (you’ll, technically, be heading east whenever you cross the doorway), search for the doorway to Lake Padden Park a few half mile earlier than the Google map pin for the canine park.
You’ll have to flip round for those who cross it.
If coming from the south and heading north, search for the doorway somewhat previous the “Lake Padden Canine Park” pin in your map.
Finding the off-leash portion of Lake Padden canine park
When you enter the park, drive to the top of the street the place the sports activities fields are and you will notice the fenced off leash the canine park on the left.
The canine pleasant portion of the lake the place your canine can swim shall be to your proper, throughout the sector.
To get to the off-leash mountain climbing trails, begin on the finish of the paved car parking zone adjoining to the fenced off leash space and head left into the woods.
There shall be indicators that inform you whenever you’ve reached the purpose the place you possibly can unleash your canine.
Warnings
Parking
It is a highly regarded canine park so anticipate parking adjoining to the canine park to be very restricted, particularly when the climate is good.
There’s loads of parking on the park although.
The gravel lot by the off-leash space will maintain about 10 vehicles and there’s a paved lot instantly adjoining to the bogs with house for about 20 extra autos.
If these parking spots are full, you will have to backtrack on the street you got here in on, park in one of many many different spots (perhaps 100?), and stroll to the off leash portion of the park.
Wildlife
Half of Lake Padden Park is forested and the fenced off leash space backs as much as this inexperienced house.
Numerous wildlife stay on this forested space and have, every now and then, come down into the extra developed space of the park.
In actual fact, one overview of the fenced Lake Padden canine park said that coyotes had been noticed inside the fenced space twice.
Adn for those who select to discover the off-leash path community along with your canine, you’ll actually be coming into their house.
Be sure you regulate your canine and know what to do if you encounter wildlife.
Canine fights
At all times watch your canine and the way they’re interacting with different canine on the canine park.
Canine fights can get away inside a fenced play space and on the encompassing trails.
Though it’s uncommon, my mates small canine was attacked by a canine on an off leash mountain climbing path and died.
Be sure you know how to break up a dog struggle simply in case.
Closing Ideas
Lake Padden Park has a number of choices for canine who wish to be off leash – a completely fenced space, mountain climbing trails, and a chosen canine entry to the lake.
It’s an excellent canine park to go to whether or not you’re staying in Bellingham for the weekend or simply passing although as a result of it’s simply accessible from the freeway.
Undoubtedly cease by to test it out the subsequent time you’re on the town.
At all times keep in mind to observe the dog park rules and choose up after your canine.
If you wish to try extra off leash choices, see this text: 7 Off-Leash Options in Bellingham
