Mount Baker isn’t just for hiking and skiing. The rivers and lakes around it offer some of the best adventures in the state. Whether you want a calm paddle or to ride the freshwater rapids, there’s something here for every kind of boater.
Nooksack River – Whitewater Rafting
If you want action, head to the Nooksack River. The North Fork has Class III and IV rapids, fed by glacial melt straight from Mount Shuksan. It runs strongest in late spring and early summer. Local guides run half-day trips that take you through the river’s swirling maelstrom of water. It’s cold and fast, but the scenery of jagged peaks, mossy forest, and bald eagles soaring overhead, makes it worth every stroke. This is rafting country. Don’t bring a canoe here unless you know exactly what you’re doing. Wetsuits are recommended and helmets are a must. So listen to your guide and have fun!
Lake Whatcom – Boating and Paddleboarding
For something slower, Lake Whatcom is perfect. It’s southeast of Bellingham and stretches over 10 miles. The northern end is more residential, but the southern half is quiet and surrounded by forested hills. Bring a kayak, paddleboard, or canoe. You’ll see locals swimming at Bloedel Donovan Park and boats pulling tubers in the deeper water. There’s a public launch at the lake’s south end near Sudden Valley if you have a bigger boat to bring.
Baker Lake – Kayaking and Canoeing
Baker Lake sits in the shadow of Mount Baker and Mount Shuksan. It’s big, clear, and glacier-fed, with lots of fingers and coves to explore. There’s a boat launch at Horseshoe Cove, and several great picnic spots right on the water.Â
Skagit River – Lazy Floats and Long Drifts
If the Nooksack feels too intense, the Skagit River offers a slower ride. It’s wide, mellow, and ideal for tubing, canoeing, or inflatable rafts. A popular stretch runs from Marblemount down to Rockport, where you’ll drift past cottonwoods and open farmland with mountain views in the background. It’s a good spot to cast a line if you’re into fishing, it’s the only river in Washington to support all five species of salmon. It is, however, a bit of a drive away from Bellingham, so bring some tunes and make a day out of it!
