About Bellingham, Washington

Bellingham is the largest city in and the county seat of Whatcom County in the U.S. state of Washington, and the eleventh largest city in the state. It is situated on Bellingham Bay, which is protected by Lummi Island, Portage Island, and the Lummi Peninsula, and opens onto the Strait of Georgia. It lies west of Mount Baker and Lake Whatcom (from which it gets its drinking water) and north of the Chuckanut Mountains and Skagit Valley. Whatcom Creek runs through the center of the city.

The Census Bureau estimated that Bellingham's population was 75,150 in 2006. The boundaries of the city encompass the former towns of Fairhaven, New Whatcom, and others.

Bellingham was officially incorporated on November 4, 1903. It was the result of the consolidation of four towns initially situated around Bellingham Bay: Whatcom, Sehome, Bellingham, and Fairhaven.

Bellingham Climate

Bellingham's climate is generally mild. The average yearly high and low temperatures are 57 and 41 degrees Fahrenheit. The rainy season is usually about six months, leaving Bellingham with a picturesque late spring and mild, pleasant summer. Bellingham receives an average annual rainfall of 34.8 inches.

Bellingham Events

The Ski to Sea Race
A team relay race made up of seven legs: Cross country skiing, downhill skiing (or snowboarding), running, road biking, canoeing. mountain biking, and kayaking.

LinuxFest Northwest
Dedicated to discussion and development of the Linux operating system and other open source and free software projects.

Bellingham Festival of Music
Orchestral and chamber concerts hosting world-class musicians from top orchestral ensembles.