Pets allowed
Allowed
Elevation Gain
200.00 ft (60.96 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
1.20 mi (1.93 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Short and easy, the Horseshoe Bend Trail is an excellent choice for families, dog-walkers, and campers staying across the street at Douglas Fir Campground. It's also a nice way to break up the drive from Bellingham to Artist Point, as it is a quick leg stretch that is accessible year-round. 

Horseshoe Bend Trail follows the North Fork of the Nooksack River for a few miles through old-growth forest. While the trail doesn't lead to a destination per se, at 0.6 miles you will find the former site of a stone bench where the Nooksack puts on quite a show as it crashes over and around huge rocks. A little further up, a rocky beach provides river access. Visit during rainy months when the river is really raging, or come in the summer to watch rafters and kayakers braving the rapids.

The trail continues for an additional 2 miles or so, but it gradually becomes more overgrown. The trail ascends after the first mile, passing under power lines and a mostly obstructed view of Church Mountain. If you're interested in going the distance, climb to your heart's content.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Winter
Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

Low

Parking Pass

NW Forest Pass

Pros

Rushing river views. Old-growth forest.

Cons

No defined destination.

Trailhead Elevation

980.00 ft (298.70 m)

Features

Wildlife
Wildlife
Old-growth forest

Location

Nearby Adventures

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Comments

08/01/2017
Easy access to the trail, not overcrowded, well maintained trail.
Have updates, photos, alerts, or just want to leave a comment?
Sign In and share them.