Ferndale, WA is a friendly small city on the Nooksack River, about 6 miles north of Bellingham and 13 miles south of the Canadian border along I-5. Living in Ferndale, Washington means a historic downtown and riverfront parks paired with newer neighborhoods, waterfront homes at Sandy Point and quick drives to Bellingham, Blaine and Vancouver, BC. As the third largest city in Whatcom County, Ferndale offers small town community with big room to grow.
In This Guide
- Where Is Ferndale, WA?
- Ferndale Neighborhoods and Areas
- Homes and Housing Styles in Ferndale
- Ferndale Schools
- Parks and Things To Do in Ferndale
- Commuting and Getting Around
- Jobs and the Local Economy
- Cost of Living in Ferndale
- Pros of Living in Ferndale
- Moving to Ferndale FAQ
Where Is Ferndale, WA?
Ferndale sits in the northwest corner of Washington State on the I-5 corridor between Bellingham and Blaine. The City of Ferndale describes the town as approximately 6 miles north of Bellingham and 13 miles south of the Canadian border, which puts Vancouver, BC within easy reach for day trips. Mount Baker, the San Juan Islands and the Nooksack River are all part of the view.
Ferndale was first settled in 1872 and incorporated in 1907. The town was originally called Jam after a logjam on the river, and a local schoolteacher later renamed it for the ferns that grew around the first schoolhouse. Today Ferndale is the third largest city in Whatcom County, and the U.S. Census Bureau estimates its population at 17,559 as of July 1, 2025, up from 15,048 in the 2020 Census (U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts).
Ferndale Neighborhoods and Areas
Ferndale has a mix of established neighborhoods, waterfront communities and newer developments. Some of the most popular areas include:
- Downtown Ferndale and Main Street. Historic homes with character sit within walking distance of local shops, restaurants and the Centennial Riverwalk. Downtown keeps the traditional Main Street feel that so many people love about Ferndale.
- Pacific Highlands. A newer subdivision with modern homes, sidewalks and community parks.
- Vista Ridge. A family friendly neighborhood with newer construction and easy access to schools.
- Cedar Creek. A quiet, established neighborhood with tree lined streets and a welcoming feel.
- Sandy Point. Waterfront living on a peninsula west of town with canal front homes, private docks, a marina and sweeping views of the San Juan Islands. See current Sandy Point homes for sale.
- Acreage and rural areas. The farmland around Ferndale offers larger lots for buyers who want space for gardens, shops or animals.
Homes and Housing Styles in Ferndale
Ferndale offers new homes in recently developed neighborhoods as well as older neighborhoods with mature landscaping. Housing styles you will find here include:
- Single family homes in established neighborhoods close to schools and parks.
- New construction in growing subdivisions with modern layouts.
- Condos and townhomes for buyers who want a lower maintenance lifestyle. Browse Ferndale condos for sale.
- Historic homes near downtown with classic charm.
- Waterfront homes at Sandy Point with docks, beaches and bay views.
- Acreage and rural homes on the outskirts of town.
Ferndale is a community of homeowners. About two out of three homes in Ferndale are owner occupied (67.6% for 2020 to 2024, U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts). With so many property types, there is a home style here for nearly every buyer. Start your search with our Ferndale homes for sale page, which updates with the newest listings.
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Ferndale Schools
Most of Ferndale is served by the Ferndale School District, home of Ferndale High School, and a small area on the south end of town is part of the Bellingham School District. Families also enjoy easy access to higher education in Bellingham, including Western Washington University, Whatcom Community College and Bellingham Technical College. If you are comparing districts across the county, our Bellingham public and private schools guide is a helpful next read.
Parks and Things To Do in Ferndale
Ferndale is surrounded by farmland, open space and plenty of parks and natural areas. Here are some of our favorite places to spend a day.
Hovander Homestead Park
Just south of downtown Ferndale, Hovander Homestead Park spreads across riverfront farmland along the Nooksack River. Pioneer farming from the early 20th century is preserved here in remarkable detail. The park opened to the public in 1971 and has been a favorite gathering place for friends and families ever since. The Hovander House, the big red barn, farm animals, gardens, shaded picnic areas and playgrounds make it a wonderful place to spend an afternoon.
Around the barn and farmyard is a collection of antique farm equipment, and inside the barn you will find a milking parlor with tools the Hovander family once used. We love walking and riding bikes around the perimeter of the park.
Hovander River Trail
This flat trail of about 1.9 miles follows the Nooksack River from the Hovander House to the Tennant Lake area, making it an easy walk for all ages.
Tennant Lake
Tennant Lake is part of Hovander Homestead Park and is connected to the main house by a short path. An observation tower offers a beautiful view of the surrounding wetlands, and next to it is the Fragrance Garden with more than 200 plants to see and smell. A sturdy boardwalk with two large viewing platforms winds through lily pads across the lake. Tennant Lake boardwalk and Hovander Park are two of our very favorite spots in Ferndale.
Pioneer Park and the Old Settlers Picnic
Pioneer Park in Ferndale is home to 14 authentic cedar slab cabins from the late 1800s, described as the largest known collection of this early architecture. Each year in late July the park hosts the Old Settlers Picnic, a community celebration that locals often call Pioneer Days (Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism).
Centennial Riverwalk Park
The Centennial Riverwalk is a beautiful pedestrian promenade on the west bank of the Nooksack River. It follows Front Street from Main Street to Cherry Street, right next to downtown.
Lake Terrell
Lake Terrell is a popular fishing spot about five miles west of Ferndale. Anglers come for stocked trout as well as bass, perch and catfish, and the lake is open for fishing year round. A parking permit is required, so check the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife for current rules.
Star Park
Star Park is a large community playground built by local volunteers, with separate play areas for younger and older kids and designs inspired by local landmarks.
Vanderyacht Park
Vanderyacht Park is a great place to let your dog run and play, and disc golf fans will find a course to play here too.
Ferndale also has a fun local food scene. See our guide to Ferndale restaurants for places to try.
Commuting and Getting Around
Interstate 5 runs right through Ferndale, so getting to Bellingham usually takes about 10 minutes by car and the drive north to Blaine and the Canadian border is just as easy. Bellingham International Airport sits just south of town in north Bellingham, and Amtrak Cascades trains connect Bellingham with Seattle and Vancouver, BC. Whatcom Transportation Authority (WTA) buses link Ferndale with Bellingham. For workers who live in Ferndale, the average commute is 21.6 minutes (2020 to 2024, U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts).
Jobs and the Local Economy
Ferndale is an important part of the Whatcom County economy. The Cherry Point industrial area west and northwest of town is home to two major refineries: the Phillips 66 Ferndale Refinery and the bp Cherry Point Refinery, the largest refinery in Washington State. Along the I-5 corridor you will also find manufacturing, distribution, agriculture, retail and local service businesses, and many residents commute to jobs in Bellingham.
If you are looking for a building, land or an investment property in town, explore Ferndale commercial real estate.
Cost of Living in Ferndale
Many buyers find that Ferndale offers more home and more land for their budget than closer in Bellingham neighborhoods, with newer construction and larger lots as a big part of the appeal. Everyday shopping, groceries and services are right in town, and Bellingham is a short drive away for everything else. For a closer look at housing, utilities and everyday expenses, read our cost of living in Ferndale, WA guide.
Pros of Living in Ferndale
- Small town feel. A traditional Main Street, community events and friendly neighbors.
- Easy location. About 6 miles to Bellingham and 13 miles to the Canadian border on I-5.
- Variety of homes. New construction, historic homes, condos, acreage and waterfront at Sandy Point.
- Parks and outdoor fun. Hovander Homestead Park, Tennant Lake, the Nooksack River and Lake Terrell.
- Local history. Pioneer Park cabins and the Old Settlers Picnic celebrate the town’s roots.
- Local jobs. Cherry Point, the I-5 corridor and nearby Bellingham offer a wide range of employers.
Thinking about other towns too? Compare Ferndale with our guides to living in Bellingham and Bellingham neighborhoods, or talk with our team of Bellingham real estate agents about Ferndale and the rest of Whatcom County.
Moving to Ferndale FAQ
Is Ferndale, WA a good place to live?
Yes. Ferndale, WA offers a small town feel with a historic Main Street, riverfront parks like Hovander Homestead Park and Tennant Lake, a wide mix of homes and quick I-5 access to Bellingham and the Canadian border. It is a popular choice for families, first time buyers and anyone who wants room to grow in Whatcom County.
How far is Ferndale from Bellingham?
Ferndale is approximately 6 miles north of Bellingham along I-5, according to the City of Ferndale. Most drives between the two take about 10 minutes.
What is Ferndale, WA known for?
Ferndale is known for Hovander Homestead Park and Tennant Lake, the historic cedar slab cabins at Pioneer Park, the annual Old Settlers Picnic, the Nooksack River and the Cherry Point refineries. It is also the third largest city in Whatcom County.
How far is Ferndale from the Canadian border?
Ferndale is approximately 13 miles south of the Canadian border, according to the City of Ferndale, which makes trips to Blaine and Vancouver, BC easy.
Who are the best real estate agents in Ferndale, WA?
Josh and Jolene Baijot are Bellingham and Ferndale real estate agents with over 25 years of experience each helping buyers and sellers across Ferndale and Whatcom County. Call us at (360) 223-4501.
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