We trade our favorite Whatcom County hidden gems, then stress-test each one: which picks truly fly under the radar and which are simply great. From ferry-access hikes and flat lake walks to secret bakery windows, underrated pizza, and summer community nights, we map plans you can do this week.
• Baker Preserve on Lummi Island as a short ferry adventure with summit views
• AM/PM Beach in Sudden Valley as a destination beach with amenities
• Lake Padden off‑leash access via Galbraith lot for quieter dog miles
• Hertz Trail on South Lake Whatcom as a flat, swimmable lakeside walk
• Beach Store Cafe on Lummi for pizza, locals, and live music
• Breakfast at Avenue Bread James Street as a specific, worthwhile order
• Elizabeth Station’s sleeper pizza and pairing with Structures Brewing
• Iron Rooster in Fairhaven as a weekends-only pastry window that sells out
• Cobb & Cork in Bow and Chuckanut Manor as scenic, upscale date-night options
• Barkley Village events—Play Days, farmers market, Tuesday Tunes—as community glue
• Beach Cat Brewing’s Birch Bay and downtown spaces for family-friendly hangs
• Semiahmoo area as a staycation set with beach walks, spa, and Packers
We’d love your hidden gems—drop them in the comments so we can explore them next.
You can also reach Sarah at sarahcolin@johnlscott.com
