Squalicum Beach is one of Bellingham’s relatively unknown parks. It is a small area of sand and gravel beach, a century-old abandoned pier, an area with great views of the bay and islands.  It is a a great place to get outside to watch the sun set over the bay. Even on a cloudy day, the views of Bellingham Bay and the islands are incredible.

But be warned that the area, beautiful as it is, has the stigma from the past, Little Squalicum Park is an EPA Superfund clean up site. Portions of the park and Little Squalicum Creek have been contaminated by chemicals from past operations at the Oeser Co.,  a wood treating business adjacent to the park, that contaminated water and soils.

That disclaimer out of the way, the times I’ve been there Ihave never noticed a smell but some have told me they have noticed it at times.  Another nice thing about this beach is that at on low tide you can walk all the way to the Nooksack River tide flats, (be careful the tide doesn’t come back in.)  There are trails that take you to the new Squalicum park as well. This will really be another gem when the city gets it cleaned up. It is a dog friendly off leash area.

You can get there by heading down Roeder Ave past Squalicum Harbor, and keep going straight when the road curves to the right and becomes Squalicum Parkway. or from the trail at Eldridge and Lindbergh.

The park is in the city’s site for an upgrade. Their is a master plan in place that calls for developing play areas, a picnic shelter, places for quiet contemplation, expanding parking at the Marine Drive trailhead for up to 27 vehicles and building restrooms there. The proposal includes wetland enhancements and the creation of a marine estuary. The plan notes that structures and facilities “will be low key and blend with the park’s natural setting to “maintain the park’s uncluttered and natural appearance”

The Birchwood Neighborhood is located in the northwest area of Bellingham. Historically, the neighborhood consisted of many small farms on large lots located on the edge of the city. The original single-family residential character can still be found here, primarily in the western section of the neighborhood.

Many residents in the Birchwood area live in apartment complexes located near the main roads of the neighborhood, Northwest Avenue, W. Maplewood Avenue, and Birchwood Ave. These apartments are located close to the Park Manor shopping area.

The Bellingham Golf & Country Club has an 18-hole course and outdoor swimming pool in the northeastern corner of the neighborhood. The Squalicum Creek greenbelt forms the southern border the neighborhood. Birchwood Elementary School, Shuksan Middle School and the Bellingham Technical College are all located in this neighborhood.

The museum was founded in 1996 by Maj. General William Anders an Apollo 8 astronaut. The Heritage Flight Museum is dedicated to the preservation and flying of historic military aircraft. The Museum began at Bellingham International in 2001. The new facility will allow the addition of displays highlighting elements of the US Space Program, mainly the Apollo program.

Volunteer opportunities for individuals and youth groups such as the Civil Air Patrol are available. The  Museum Staff have served as Culminating Project Community Advisors for graduating seniors from Bellingham and Squalicum High Schools, and as supervisors for History majors on internship from Western Washington University.

Visitors to the museum can get an up-close look at the collection of memorabilia and artifacts, and a selection of flying World War II, Korean and Vietnam era airplanes including a P-51 Mustang, Douglas Skyraider, North American T-6, Boeing Stearman, L-13 Grasshopper, Link trainer and others.

Image courtesy of flickr.com by StuSeeger