Sitting high atop Alabama and Barkley Hills, artfully hidden from nearby civilization, is a beautiful string of trails. If not for the occasional peak-a-boo view of a rooftop or the faint sound of a car passing by, you might think you were far away from it all. As soon as you access the trail you find yourself immersed in mature forest with huge trees.
Begin your trek in Big Rock Garden Park, accessed off Sylvan Street, at the top of the park’s driveway. From the trailhead travel north following all trail markers that note Northridge Park. You’ll get a glimpse of Big Rock Pond and will find yourself initially on gravel trail before the trail turns wilder (and more fun) as it snakes and undulates over a root covered section of dirt path.
After traveling under Barkley Blvd. via a culvert tunnel, you’ll find yourself in Northridge Park. This 36-acre forested park was acquired in 1992 to extend the Greenway trail system into northeast Bellingham.
Currently under construction, and slated to be finished late fall ’09, are additional trails that will create a loop through the park. Presently, a gorgeous out-and-back section goes all the way to the top of Woodside Way (above Squalicum H.S.)
On the return trip, follow trail markers south back to Big Rock Garden.