Alki Supply Presents the Ultimate Bellingham Mountain Bike Guide
There would be no Alki Supply without Bellingham mountain biking. The trails, the community, and the culture here shaped who we are and helped define our brand. If you’re a mountain biker, especially a local, you already know how lucky we have it. Bellingham is widely considered one of the top mountain bike destinations in the country, with roughly 100 miles of rideable trail spread across surrounding trail systems. From singletrack climbs and fast descents to pump tracks, jump lines, forest roads, and multi-use trails, there’s no shortage of terrain to explore. Whether you’re visiting for the first time, new to riding, or just want a reminder of how good we have it here, we’ve put together a guide to Bellingham’s trail systems to help you get out and ride.
Where to Ride in Bellingham
Galbraith Mountain
A stone’s throw from downtown, Galbraith Mountain offers riders over 70 miles of purpose-built and mixed-use singletrack through classic PNW terrain. It’s one of the rare trail systems in the country that’s genuinely rideable from town and deep enough to support everything from quick after-work laps to full-day missions. Spanning roughly 3,000 acres, Galbraith is privately owned and maintained in partnership with the Whatcom Mountain Bike Coalition, a model that’s helped make it one of the most dialed trail networks anywhere. The riding skews toward intermediate and advanced terrain, but recent trail development has made it more accessible than ever for newer riders looking to progress. The network is massive and varied, with fast flow trails, technical singletrack, jump lines, classic XC, and steep fall-line descents, all tucked into dense forest above Bellingham Bay.
Chuckanut Mountain Park
Just south of the city, Chuckanut Mountain Park is home to a dense network of hiking, equestrian, and mountain bike trails that wind through lush forest and past features like Fragrance Lake, flowing streams, and rocky ridgelines. In places, the terrain opens up to views of Bellingham Bay, the San Juan Islands, and Mount Baker, especially on clear days. Compared to Galbraith, the trails here are older, narrower, and often steeper, with a more raw, technical feel. There’s plenty to ride, but expect less signage and more route-finding, making Chuckanut better suited for experienced riders who don’t mind earning their descents. Notable zones include Double Black, Double Down, and much of Raptor Ridge, which collectively offer some of the most challenging and rewarding riding in the Bellingham area.
Waterfront Park Pump Track
While Galbraith and Chuckanut anchor Bellingham’s trail riding, the Waterfront Park Pump Track offers a very different kind of session—and it’s well worth riding. Located downtown near Waypoint Park and the Portal Container Village, the park features a 20,000-square-foot pump track, dedicated jump lines, and a skills zone designed for progression at every level.
It’s great for quick laps and is often the site of community events. like the Northwest Tune-Up Festival. Post-ride, it doesn’t get much better than rolling straight over to the Kulshan Trackside Beer Garden.
Located near the skatepark on Puget Street, the Civic Dirt Jump Track is a purpose-built dirt jump zone with features ranging from roughly 2 to 7 feet, making it accessible for riders of varying abilities. The track is maintained by the Whatcom Mountain Bike Coalition and serves as a go-to spot for working on bike handling, jumping fundamentals, and flow.
When to Ride in Bellingham
Bellingham is a true year-round riding destination, but spring, summer, and fall are all equally strong, just different.
The shoulder seasons often deliver the best dirt. Spring and fall can be wet, but when the weather lines up, the trails are at their tackiest. A little rain keeps dust down and traction high, especially on steeper or more technical lines. Many locals will tell you that “hero dirt” days are far more common outside of peak summer.
Summer is popular for good reason. Long days, dry weather, and consistent access make it easy to stack laps and explore deeper into the network. Later in the season, trails can get dusty, but the ability to ride early mornings or late evenings more than makes up for it.
Winter riding is still very much a thing here. While it’s wet and daylight is short, Galbraith in particular drains well and remains rideable with smart trail choices and proper expectations.
Local Bike Shops & the Riding Community
Bellingham’s trail network exists because of an unusually strong riding community, anchored by the work of the Whatcom Mountain Bike Coalition (WMBC). From building and maintaining trails to advocating for access and sustainability, WMBC plays a central role in keeping local riding both world-class and responsible.
Spots like Fanatik Bike Co. and Earl’s Bike Shop are more than places to tune a bike; they’re where riders swap trail conditions, get route recommendations, and stay plugged into what’s happening around town.
Guiding, Tours, & Rentals
For visitors or riders new to the area, guided rides and rentals can be a great way to get oriented quickly. Local operators like Dig Deep Mountain Bike Tours offer guided experiences and bike rentals that help riders make the most of Bellingham’s massive trail network without spending half the day figuring out logistics.
From purpose-built singletrack to community-run skills parks, Bellingham’s riding scene is the result of decades of work by people who care deeply about this place. It’s that mix of terrain, access, and community that makes riding here unlike anywhere else.