Squalicum Creek Park covers about 36 acres in north Bellingham, on land that was reclaimed and restored into one of the city’s newer large parks. The headline draws are a big playground with a zip line that kids love, a proper off-leash dog park, and ball fields. There is also a basketball court, a skate dot and trails along restored Squalicum Creek that connect toward Cornwall Park. Because it was redeveloped relatively recently, the facilities feel modern and the layout is open. For families and dog owners on the north side of town, it has quickly become a reliable everyday park.

What you’ll find

The big playground is the star, with a zip line that makes it a destination for kids beyond the immediate neighborhood. There is a fenced off-leash dog park, which is a real one rather than an afterthought, plus ball fields and a basketball court for organized and pickup play. A skate dot gives skaters a spot, and trails follow the restored Squalicum Creek corridor, linking the park toward Cornwall Park to the south. There is parking, restrooms and picnic shelters. The whole site reflects its recent redevelopment, so the equipment and grounds are in good modern shape.

Good for

Squalicum Creek suits families wanting a standout playground, dog owners who want a dedicated off-leash space, and ballplayers using the fields. The zip-line playground draws kids who have outgrown smaller neighborhood structures, and the trail connection to Cornwall Park makes it a good walking and biking hub. It works well for a north-side household that wants play, dogs and sport in one place. The trade-off is that as a reclaimed, open park it has less mature tree cover than the older parks, so shade is more limited on hot days.

Getting there

Squalicum Creek Park is in the Birchwood area of north Bellingham, with access off Squalicum Way and connecting streets, easy to reach from the north side and central city. There is a parking lot and restrooms on site. The playground, dog park and main paths are accessible and laid out on relatively level reclaimed ground. The creek trail link toward Cornwall Park makes it a useful node for walkers and cyclists moving between north-end parks, so you can arrive on foot or by bike from nearby.

A local broker’s take

North Bellingham, including Birchwood and the streets around this park, offers some of the more attainable pricing in the city, and parks like Squalicum Creek add a lot of everyday value there. A big zip-line playground and a real off-leash dog park within reach matter to families and dog owners, and they are part of why the north side has stayed in demand. If you are looking for more house for the money while keeping good park access, I can show you what the north end offers and how it compares with central and south Bellingham on price and commute.

Good to know

Does Squalicum Creek Park have a zip line?

Yes. The park’s large playground includes a zip line, which makes it a popular destination for kids from beyond the immediate neighborhood.

Is there an off-leash dog park at Squalicum Creek?

Yes, there is a dedicated off-leash dog park on site, along with ball fields, a basketball court and a skate dot.

Can you walk from Squalicum Creek Park to Cornwall Park?

Yes. Trails follow the restored Squalicum Creek corridor and connect the park toward Cornwall Park, making it a good walking and biking link between north-end parks.