Bellis Fairways isn’t a city park, and I want to be upfront about that. It sits on leased land next to Bellis Fair mall, built and maintained by the Whatcom Disc Golf Club, and it opened in June 2023. But it’s free to play and open to the public, so when folks ask me where to throw discs in Bellingham, it belongs on the list right next to Cornwall and Lake Padden. It’s a younger course that’s still getting beaten in, which means generous lines in spots and rougher edges in others. If you’re new to the sport or visiting with a basket-curious kid, it’s an easy, low-pressure place to start.

What you’ll find

Eighteen holes ranging from about 170 to 570 feet, laid out on the green space between West Bakerview Road and Bellis Fair Parkway. The variety of distances means it suits beginners and experienced players alike — some short, approachable holes and a few that ask for a real drive. A typical round runs roughly two hours and a little over two miles of walking. Because the club runs it on a temporary lease, amenities are minimal: no park restrooms or drinking fountains on the course itself, though the mall is right there.

Good for

Casual and intermediate disc golfers, families introducing kids to the game, and anyone who wants a free round without driving out to Cornwall or Lake Padden. It’s also a convenient lunch-break course if you live or work on the north side near Bakerview.

Getting there

Park in the Bellis Fair mall lot near Kohl’s and walk over — there’s a Bellis Fair sign by Kohl’s that marks the spot. It’s in north Bellingham off West Bakerview Road, easy to reach from I-5. A couple of holes play near the streets, so keep an eye out and follow the club’s pack-it-in, pack-it-out, leave-no-trace ethic.

A local broker’s take

I show a lot of homes on Bellingham’s north side — Cordata, Mt. Baker neighborhood, the newer builds off Bakerview — and Bellis Fairways is the kind of low-key amenity that quietly makes an area more livable. It won’t show up on an MLS sheet, but a free disc course you can walk to on a weeknight is exactly the sort of thing buyers tell me they end up using more than the features they thought they wanted. Worth knowing it’s there.

Good to know

Is Bellis Fairways free to play?

Yes. The Whatcom Disc Golf Club built and maintains it as a free, public-access course. It’s on leased private land beside the mall rather than a city park, so please treat it with care.

How many holes is it?

Eighteen holes, ranging from roughly 170 to 570 feet, suited to a range of skill levels.

Where do I park?

Use the Bellis Fair mall parking lot near Kohl’s and walk to the course; look for the Bellis Fair sign by Kohl’s.