Stimpson Nature Reserve — Friday, Oct. 3, 2025

Stimpson Family Nature Preserve is a beautiful and quiet parcel of forest near Bellingham, about fifteen minutes drive from downtown--and a world away from the noise of civilization. Edelman and I headed out on a Friday with a light hike in mind, and this was perfect--just enough to get the heart pumping and the legs in hill-climbing mode. The preserve is home to old growth Doug firs and cedars, an abundance of lush fernage (um, beacoup ferns), a pretty little pond called Geneva Pond with a nice Zen bench at one end, and a number of nice, shortish ascents. It's one of my favorite Bellinghamster hikes. Including the Geneva Pond loop, it's about 5 miles. We saw fewer than 10 people, including 3 runners. The trail feels private and quiet. There isn't much in the way of fall foliage here, except for a few maples at the beginning, but the old growths make up for it. Happy hiking, all. And Google No Kings Oct. 18th, people.