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A Locals' Guide to Bellingham's Treasures
Growing up in Colorado, my friends and I dreamed of mountain biking on the sacred paths of Crested Butte or making the trek to Moab to try our skills. Racing over pine needles in the Rocky Mountain National Park made for stunning views and steep terrain to stop my heart, but I had never imagined how intense riding could be until I tested my stuff on the hills of the Pacific Northwest.
Voted as one of the top five areas to mountain bike, Bellingham is home to secret trails that rival the most technical of trails in Utah or Colorado. Within our city limits lies Galbraith Mountain. Mostly unused land sheered here and there by clearcut, Galbraith is one of the last refuges in our ever expanding developments of homes and mini-malls. Owned by the Trillium Corporation, Galbraith has been left to hikers and mountain bikers looking for dense trails.
Over a 3,600 acre area, Galbraith is stitched and webbed with circling trails that change with weather and the imagination of the riders. While several main arteries will challenge any rider, it is the tributary trails that offer surprises. Mostly single track trails over fallen logs and jutting roots, these winding trails can go on for miles looping back up and over the ridge.
Entering Galbraith is easiest from Samish Way or off of Lakeway. Parking can be hard to find, but usually only adds a few hundred yards to your ride. Finding your way through all of the crisscrossing trails can be difficult. Try riding with someone familiar with the area or check out www.gailbraithmt.com for the best map I have found. Remember that these trail come and go, especially after a typical weekend of Northwest rain. What was once an easy exit to your parked car could become a slogged down mud puddle waiting to suck up your bike.
Presently the trails are open for public use based on an understanding that riders and hikers will treat the land with respect. No material, like lumber, pallets or pipe, can be brought into the area to make improvised jumps or balance courses. Basic courtesies of picking up litter and staying on the trails should be followed by anyone using the land. And as with all outdoor activity, Galbraith Mountain holds risks. Helmets are a must for anyone wanting to go barreling down tight tracks between windfall and mossy boulders. Always ride or hike with a friend and bring plenty of water for the demanding climbs. Use your best judgment and behavior to keep this Bellingham treasure available to everyone.
Jason Small
Jason@bellinghamplaces.com
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