• Explore the Pacific Northwest

    Whether you're looking for a peaceful walk or a challenging summit, some of Washington's best hiking is just a short drive away.

    🌊 Whatcom Falls Park

    5 minutes from downtown Bellingham

    One of Bellingham's most iconic parks, featuring beautiful waterfalls, historic stone bridges, and miles of easy walking trails.

    Perfect for:

    • Families

    • Strollers

    • Photography

    • Picnics

    ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Brown & Co Favorite

    🥾 Stimpson Family Nature Reserve

    (NOT PET FRIENDLY!)

    Located just minutes from Sudden Valley, this peaceful forest trail winds through towering evergreens to a beautiful lake.

    A quieter alternative to the more popular parks.

    Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

    ⛰ Oyster Dome

    If you're up for the challenge... don't miss this one!

    The Oyster Dome is one of the most rewarding hikes in Washington. The climb is worth every step, offering breathtaking panoramic views over Samish Bay, the San Juan Islands, and the surrounding mountains.

    Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging

    🥾 Bring water and good hiking shoes.

    ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Brown & Co MUST DO

    If you're only doing one hike during your stay, make it this one.

  • Discover the Beauty of the Water

    Water is everywhere in Whatcom County, and each destination has its own unique charm.

    🌊 Lake Whatcom

    You're already here!

    Enjoy:

    • Swimming

    • Kayaking

    • Paddleboarding

    • Fishing

    • Wildlife watching

    💧 Whatcom Falls

    One of the most photographed waterfalls in Washington.

    Beautiful year-round.

    🌿 Nooksack Falls

    A spectacular waterfall located on the drive toward Mt. Baker.

    Well worth the short stop.

  • Nature is never far away.

    Our favorites include:

    🌲 Lake Padden Park

    🌲 Whatcom Falls Park

    🌲 Boulevard Park

    🌲 Big Rock Garden

    🌲 Teddy Bear Cove

    Each offers something a little different—from lakeside strolls to ocean views

EXPLORE

  • Some of the Most Beautiful Roads in Washington

    🌊 Chuckanut Drive

    One of the state's most famous scenic drives.

    Wind your way along the coastline with incredible views of the San Juan Islands.

    Stop for lunch in Fairhaven or Taylor Shellfish Farms along the way.

    ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Highly Recommended

    🏔 Mount Baker Highway

    One of America's most scenic mountain drives.

    Every turn reveals waterfalls, rivers, forests, and towering peaks.

    Even if you're not skiing, the drive alone is unforgettable.

    ❄ Artist Point (Seasonal)

    If the road is open, this is one of Washington's most spectacular viewpoints.

    Stand between Mt. Baker and Mt. Shuksan with incredible 360° alpine scenery.

    ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Bucket List Destination

    🌄 Diablo Lake Overlook (Day Trip)

    Looking for an unforgettable day trip?

    Drive east on Highway 20 through North Cascades National Park to the famous Diablo Lake Overlook.

    The brilliant turquoise water almost doesn't look real.

    Allow most of the day for this adventure.

  • Our Favorite Places Around Town

    Bellingham perfectly blends outdoor adventure with small-town charm.

    Spend a day exploring:

    ☕ Local coffee shops

    🛍 Historic Fairhaven

    🍺 Award-winning breweries

    🎨 Art galleries

    🌊 Boulevard Park

    🍦 Waterfront treats

    🎶 Seasonal events and live music

    There is always something happening.

    🌅 Brown & Co Favorite Day

    If you asked us how we'd spend the perfect day...

    ☕ Coffee in Fairhaven

    🥾 Hike Oyster Dome

    🍔 Lunch downtown

    🚗 Drive Chuckanut Drive

    🌅 Sunset on the upper deck

    ♨️ Hot tub under the stars

    It's hard to beat.

  • Make the Most of Your Stay

    If you're staying for several days, Northwest Washington offers some truly unforgettable adventures—all within a comfortable drive of the home. Whether you're looking for mountain scenery, coastal charm, or a bucket-list hike, these are some of our favorite destinations.

    🏔 Mount Baker & Artist Point

    Drive Time: 1½–2 hours
    Plan For: Full Day

    One of the most scenic drives in Washington, the Mount Baker Highway winds through forests, rivers, waterfalls, and alpine meadows before reaching the spectacular Mount Baker Recreation Area.

    Don't Miss:

    • Picture Lake

    • Heather Meadows Visitor Area

    • Artist Point (typically open July–October, depending on snowfall)

    • Short alpine hikes

    • Incredible mountain photography

    ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Brown & Co Must Do

    🌊 Chuckanut Drive

    Drive Time: 30 minutes
    Plan For: Half Day

    One of Washington's most beautiful scenic byways, Chuckanut Drive hugs the coastline with breathtaking views of Samish Bay and the San Juan Islands.

    Our favorite stops include:

    • Historic Fairhaven

    • Larrabee State Park

    • Taylor Shellfish Farms

    • Scenic viewpoints

    Perfect for a relaxing afternoon drive.

    ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Brown & Co Favorite

    🥾 Oyster Dome

    Drive Time: 25 minutes
    Plan For: 3–4 Hours

    If you're up for a challenge, this is the hike we recommend above all others.

    The climb is rewarded with one of the most spectacular panoramic views in Washington, overlooking Samish Bay and the San Juan Islands.

    Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging

    Bring sturdy shoes and water.

    ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ If you're able, don't miss this hike.

    💎 Diablo Lake Overlook

    Drive Time: About 2 hours
    Plan For: Full Day

    Located along the North Cascades Highway, Diablo Lake is famous for its stunning turquoise water surrounded by rugged mountain peaks.

    The drive itself is just as beautiful as the destination.

    Along the way you'll pass:

    • Ross Lake

    • Gorge Dam

    • North Cascades National Park

    • Numerous scenic overlooks

    Bring your camera—you'll want it.

    ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Worth Every Mile

    🌉 Deception Pass State Park

    Drive Time: About 1 hour
    Plan For: Half Day or Full Day

    Washington's most visited state park offers dramatic cliffs, beaches, hiking trails, and the famous Deception Pass Bridge.

    Great for families, photographers, and anyone looking to experience the rugged beauty of Puget Sound.

    🚢 San Juan Islands

    Drive Time: About 1½ hours to the ferry
    Plan For: Full Day

    Hop on a Washington State Ferry and spend the day exploring Friday Harbor and the San Juan Islands.

    Popular activities include:

    • Whale watching

    • Boutique shopping

    • Waterfront dining

    • Kayaking

    • Scenic drives

    Reservations are recommended during peak season.

    🎨 La Conner

    Drive Time: About 45 minutes
    Plan For: Half Day

    This charming waterfront town is full of local boutiques, galleries, cafés, wineries, and fantastic restaurants.

    A perfect destination for a slower-paced afternoon.

    🇨🇦 Vancouver, British Columbia

    Drive Time: About 1½ hours (plus border crossing)
    Plan For: Full Day

    If you have your passport, Vancouver makes an incredible international day trip.

    Some of our favorite attractions include:

    • Stanley Park

    • Granville Island

    • Gastown

    • Capilano Suspension Bridge

    • Incredible restaurants and shopping

    Please allow extra time for border crossings.

    💚 Brown & Co Favorites

    🥇 #1 – Mount Baker & Artist Point (Summer & Early Fall)

    🥈 #2 – Oyster Dome Hike

    🥉 #3 – Chuckanut Drive & Fairhaven

    ⭐ Best Half-Day Adventure: Chuckanut Drive

    ⭐ Best Full-Day Adventure: Mount Baker

    ⭐ Best Family Adventure: Deception Pass

    ⭐ Best Romantic Escape: La Conner

    ⭐ Best Bucket List Experience: Diablo Lake

    Brown & Co Tip

    If you have four or five nights with us, this is the itinerary we'd recommend:

    • Day 1: Relax and enjoy Lake Whatcom

    • Day 2: Explore Bellingham & Fairhaven

    • Day 3: Hike Oyster Dome and drive Chuckanut Drive

    • Day 4: Spend the day at Mount Baker (or Artist Point when open)

    • Day 5: Take a scenic drive to Diablo Lake or explore the San Juan Islands