Centennial Riverwalk Park is downtown Ferndale’s front porch on the Nooksack River. A paved path runs along the west bank, lined with benches and salmon-themed interpretive signs that explain the river’s role in the local ecosystem and history. It’s an easy, accessible stroll rather than a hike, the kind of place to walk a loop, watch the water and read a few signs. There’s a playground for kids, restrooms and parking, and in season the park hosts the Ferndale Public Market, which brings vendors and a community-gathering vibe to the riverfront. It’s a flat, family-friendly, accessible park that pairs naturally with the rest of downtown, making it a good everyday spot for residents and a pleasant stop for visitors.

What you’ll find

The centerpiece is the paved riverwalk along the Nooksack’s west bank, with benches set out for taking in the water and interpretive signs focused on salmon and the river environment. There’s a playground for younger kids, plus restrooms and parking on site, and the paved, level path makes the park genuinely accessible. Seasonally, it hosts the Ferndale Public Market, turning the riverfront into a community marketplace on market days. River access lets you get close to the water. Because it’s downtown, it connects easily to Main Street’s shops and restaurants. It’s a stroll-and-gather park, not a sports or trails destination, smooth pavement, river views and a relaxed pace are the appeal.

Good for

Easy riverside walks, families with young kids, and anyone who wants an accessible, flat path with something to look at. The benches and interpretive signs make it pleasant for older visitors and slow strolls, and the playground keeps kids happy. On market days it becomes a community event, well worth timing a visit around. Its downtown location makes it an easy add-on to shopping or dining. It’s less suited to people seeking a long trail or athletic facilities, this is a leisurely, civic-minded park.

When to go

The riverwalk is enjoyable year-round on dry days, but late spring through early fall is best, that’s typically when the Ferndale Public Market runs, bringing vendors and energy to the park. Summer evenings along the river are especially pleasant. Check the city’s calendar for current market dates and any riverfront events before you go.

Getting there

Centennial Riverwalk Park is in downtown Ferndale along the west bank of the Nooksack, an easy drive from I-5 via a Ferndale exit. There’s parking and restrooms on site, and it’s within walking distance of Main Street, so you can combine the riverwalk with downtown shopping and dining. The paved path makes it accessible for strollers and wheelchairs.

A local broker’s take

A walkable, accessible riverwalk in the middle of downtown is exactly the kind of amenity that’s helped Ferndale’s center feel more alive, and that matters for property values near the core. When I show homes in walking distance of downtown Ferndale, I point to the riverwalk, the seasonal market and Main Street as a package: this is a town you can live in on foot, at a price below Bellingham. As always near the Nooksack, I’d check flood-zone status on any specific riverfront property, but for the downtown lifestyle pitch, this park is a genuine asset.

Good to know

Is there a market at Centennial Riverwalk Park?

Yes, seasonally. The Ferndale Public Market sets up at the park on market days, typically in the warmer months. Check the City of Ferndale’s calendar for current dates.

Is the riverwalk accessible?

Yes. The paved, level path along the Nooksack is wheelchair- and stroller-friendly, with benches along the way, and the park has restrooms and parking.

Is the park good for kids?

Yes. Along with the riverwalk and interpretive signs, there’s a playground for younger children, and the flat paved path is easy for families.