I spend a lot of time driving around Bellingham showing homes, and you start to notice what is changing in Bellingham.
This fall there is quite a bit happening. A few familiar streets are getting new pavement, Larrabee State Park is in the middle of a big project, there is more happening at the waterfront, and a couple of new businesses have opened or are on the way.
Here are a few things that caught our attention around Bellingham this month.
Roads and Trails
Fresh Pavement on Lincoln, Fraser and Ellis
If you drive through these parts of town regularly, you have probably noticed the construction.
The Ellis, Fraser and Lincoln Overlay project started in September and includes new pavement, sidewalk repairs and upgraded curb ramps along three busy corridors.
Lincoln Street between Elwood Avenue and E. Maple Street is scheduled for night paving September 28 through October 2. Work on Fraser Street between Puget and Valencia should wrap up in early October.
Ellis Street is the bigger project. Work between E. Illinois Street and Squalicum Parkway continues through May 2027 and includes a new water main.
The city is also adding flashing crosswalk beacons and improving curb ramps in several locations around town, including Texas Street, E. Maple Street, Barkley Boulevard, 32nd Street and Garden Street near Western.
A Big Project at Larrabee State Park
Larrabee is one of those places that reminds you how lucky we are to have so much so close to Bellingham.
Washington’s oldest state park is getting a complete water system replacement. Old pipes from several different eras are being replaced with a modern system serving the campgrounds and park facilities.
Construction runs from September 15, 2026 through May 31, 2027.
The good news is that you can still enjoy quite a bit of the area this fall. Chuckanut Drive, Clayton Beach, the Lost Lake parking lot and trails, and the boat launch remain open during construction.
So a fall drive down Chuckanut is definitely still worth doing.
Meridian and Birchwood Roundabout Moves Forward
Another project that will eventually make a noticeable difference is the planned roundabout at Meridian and Birchwood.
Plans include redesigning the intersection, extending the Bay to Baker Trail through the area, adding a crossing at Meridian, filling in missing sidewalk connections and extending bike lanes.
The project is expected to reach 90 percent design this quarter, with construction currently anticipated to begin in late 2027.
It is still a ways out, but if you regularly drive through Birchwood or north Bellingham, it is one to know about.
Housing and Development
Thinking About an ADU?
This one caught my attention because I get questions about ADUs from homeowners and buyers.
Bellingham recently released new quick guides for ADUs and middle housing. They explain where different types of housing may be allowed and give an overview of things like size, height and setbacks.
If you have ever wondered about adding a backyard cottage or ADU, the guides are a pretty easy place to start.
Every property is different, of course, so you still need to check what applies to a particular home before making plans.
More Housing Planned at the Waterfront
There is another interesting project moving forward near Bellingham’s waterfront.
The Whatcom Community Foundation is planning Millworks Phase II on West Laurel Avenue, next to the first phase that opened in 2024.
According to The Spokesman-Review, plans include 107 workforce rental homes, a food business incubator called The Kitchens at Millworks, a coffee shop and a neighborhood market.
Groundbreaking is currently targeted for 2028, so this one is still a few years away. It is another piece of how much the waterfront continues to change.
New Around Town
A New Rock Shop in Fairhaven
Fairhaven has a new shop that feels like it belongs there.
Trevor’s Magic Rocks and Starlight Goddess Studio opened at 1302 12th Street at the end of August.
The shop carries handmade jewelry, stone carvings and polished stones. They also offer lapidary classes if you have ever wanted to learn how stones are cut and polished.
It is another fun little stop while wandering around Fairhaven.
Jackalope Coffee & Lounge Coming Downtown
There is also a new coffee and gathering spot coming to downtown Bellingham.
Jackalope Coffee & Lounge is coming to 300 W. Champion Street, with coffee, tea and a small food menu planned. Beer, wine and cocktails are expected once licensing is complete.
They are also planning things like book clubs, poetry groups and painting classes.
It sounds like the kind of place you could stop for coffee and end up staying awhile.
A Few Things Happening This Fall
Salmon Are Back in Whatcom Creek
One of my favorite little signs of fall is seeing the salmon return.
Hatchery Chinook salmon return to lower Whatcom Creek through October, and Maritime Heritage Park downtown is one of the easiest places to stop and watch them.
It is one of those very Bellingham things that is easy to forget about until fall comes around again.
Bellingham Bird Week
Bellingham Bird Week runs October 5 through 11.
This year there is a fun local twist. Residents can help choose Bellingham’s official bird through a project with the North Cascades Audubon Society and Audubon Washington.
Fall Planting at Cornwall Memorial Park
On Saturday, November 7, the city and the Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association are holding a community planting event at Cornwall Memorial Park.
Volunteers will plant native trees and shrubs near Squalicum Creek. Tools and gloves are provided, all ages are welcome and registration is required.
Questions About What Is Changing in Bellingham
Is Larrabee State Park open this fall?
Parts of it are. Campgrounds and the main day use areas are closed during the water system project through May 31, 2027. Clayton Beach, the Lost Lake trails and parking lot, the boat launch and Chuckanut Drive remain open.
Where can I learn about building an ADU in Bellingham?
The City of Bellingham has new ADU and middle housing quick guides that explain the basics and where different types of housing may be allowed.
If you are considering one, use the guides as a starting point and check the requirements for your individual property.
What is changing on Bellingham’s waterfront?
Development is continuing in the waterfront district, including plans for Millworks Phase II. The project is expected to include workforce housing along with food and neighborhood businesses, with groundbreaking currently targeted for 2028.
See You Next Month
One of the things I like about showing homes all over Bellingham is that I am constantly seeing what is changing around town.
A new shop opens, a road project gets moving, something new is planned for the waterfront, or I notice a place I have driven by a hundred times suddenly looks completely different.
We will keep sharing the things that catch our attention each month.
And if you are thinking about moving to Bellingham or looking for a home here, feel free to contact us. We are always happy to help.
