Situated Between Seattle And Vancouver Is Washington's Hidden Gem Valley With Breathtaking Views And Fun Activities
If you're looking for a pretty Pacific Northwest small town escape that puts you between Seattle and Vancouver but feels removed from city life, turn your attention to a community on Lake Whatcom's southern shore called Sudden Valley. The area has great access to two major cities — a drive south to Seattle will take about two hours, and your trip north to the Canadian border is around an hour and a half, making Vancouver easily accessible (don't forget your passport, though). You'll notice the community is in the foothills of the Cascade Range, and it has a clear intention to preserve the surrounding forests. There are houses along the mountains, enveloped by Douglas fir and Western red cedars. This beautiful harmony creates the atmosphere of living inside a national forest.
The nature in Sudden Valley is truly the main part of the experience. You get views of the Cascade Mountains and the lush water of Lake Whatcom. A peaceful way to start your journey is by seeing a serene layer of fog hovering over the marina, which adds to the scenery. Since wildlife is quite present, you can typically see deer, raccoons, and a plethora of birds, like barred owls and pileated woodpeckers. For some fun activities, you have access to many outdoorsy adventures right in the neighborhood. You can play a round at the Sudden Valley Golf & Country Club, use the marina for boat access to the lake, or venture out on its network of trails for hiking and biking.
More things to do in Sudden Valley
You'll find quite a few other ways to get active in Sudden Valley. There are about 20 different parks, some with playgrounds for the kids, tennis courts, basketball courts, and even pickleball. The Community Center is a great spot for activities, with a fitness center and meeting rooms, and it's popular for events like movie nights and art shows.
When it's time to cool off, Sudden Valley has two outdoor pools that open seasonally. There's a larger, family-friendly one, and a smaller, adults-only pool behind the library. You also get to use the publicly managed beaches on Lake Whatcom, which are great spots for swimming and kayaking. You can also bring your fur babies to the park on a leash, or to the nearby Hovander Homestead Park, which is about 35 minutes away and leash-free.
If you want to go hiking, the Lookout Mountain Forest Preserve has trails for different uses. You can take the main path, the Rufus Creek Trail, which goes up through different forest types, over streams, and past cliffs. The trail connects to other routes, including a loop that takes you to a beautiful waterfall. Another option for you is the Leila June Trail, which is for hikers only and was part of the mountain's original system — if you trek alone, be sure to read these safety tips to know before a solo hike.
Where to stay and what to eat in Sudden Valley
Since Sudden Valley is on the smaller side, you won't be able to stay in a typical hotel. There are, though, rentals that you can find on Airbnb or Vrbo — and here's how to pick between the two for your travels. You'll find cute A-frame cabins with hot tubs, as well as lakefront houses and chalets with docks. If you're one for a traditional hotel, you will need to go to the city of Bellingham, which is a short drive away (about 8.4 miles). The Hotel Bellwether is a higher-end property on Bellingham Bay, where your room might have a fireplace and views of the San Juan Islands. For a boutique vibe, try the Heliotrope Hotel, which is a renovated motel with a modern Pacific Northwest design, interior decor, and a fire pit. Another option is the Fairhaven Village Inn, located in the historic Fairhaven district and close to shops and the waterfront.
When you get hungry, your choices right inside the community are few but convenient. The golf course clubhouse has El Agave, which serves a full menu of Mexican food. For something more casual, the Valley Market & Deli has a bistro with sandwiches and an espresso bar. The food scene in Bellingham is much larger. You can find restaurants like Carnal, which serves wood-fired entrees, and Roe, which has a seasonal American menu. Whatcom County also has quite a few craft breweries. In Bellingham, visit Aslan Brewing Company, boasting organic brews, or head to Wander Brewing, set in a historic warehouse. For wineries, you can find Welcome Road Winery's tasting room in Bellingham's Arts District or Vartanyan Estate Winery.