Happy Valley
Happy Valley in Bellingham, Washington
About the Happy Valley Neighborhood
Bellingham, Washington is perched right on Bellingham Bay, meaning it offers a plethora of outdoor opportunities for residents. A small-town feel that is within easy travel distance to Vancouver and Seattle, residents won’t have any difficulty finding ways to keep themselves and their families occupied during their downtime.
Happy Valley offers many different housing options with a higher density of apartments located on the north end of the neighborhood near Western Washington University. Head into the southern end of the neighborhood and most of it is zoned with single-family residences.
Small areas of undeveloped areas remain and are home to various wildlife like owls and Great Blue Herons. Wetlands, forests, meadows, and mountain views are easily accessible throughout the entire neighborhood.
Dining
Fresh seafood isn’t difficult to come by in this area but Anthony’s Restaurant is one of the most beloved in Bellingham. Anthony’s has very strict “Best Practice” standards for the selection, handling, and inspection of their freshly caught seafood; ensuring diners are always given both the freshest and the best in seafood.
Because of the close connection the teachers have with the parents, the parents are not afraid to make comments or suggestions that may prove invaluable in the education of their young. Whatcom Middle School is another school that should be mentioned, they try to have small classes so that the teacher can have more of an opportunity to have a one-on-one interaction with all the students.
The Bellingham location has stunning views of the bay and a menu dotted with calamari, Dungeness crabs, and the freshest salmon diners can find.
Outdoor Recreation
Bellingham boasts more than 100 miles of coastline on the Salish Sea and combined with Lake Whatcom and the Nooksack River there are plenty of opportunities for diverse water-based recreation.
Sea kayaking has been a long-time favorite of locals, providing opportunities for wildlife viewing they wouldn’t otherwise get from being on shore. Sea otters and even whales can often be spotted from the low-profile kayaks.
Sailing is another favorite pastime. The gentle waters and strong winds coming off of the bay make for ideal sailing conditions. Charter and deep sea fishing trips are offered year-round, offering professional opportunities for fishermen of all levels to discover some of the best fishing spots off of Bellingham’s coast.
Points of Interest
The Camel Safari is one of the area’s most unique experiences, loved by both residents and visitors. Visitors are given hands-on experiences with the camels and are shown the animals’ daily care and given educational talks from the camels’ keepers. Visitors are then given 30-minute rides on the camels and souvenir pictures to take home.
The Lake Whatcom Railway Company educates visitors on the Pacific Northwest’s rich railroading history and the importance it holds in the area’s history. A 100-year-old steam engine, passenger coaches dating from 1910 to 1925, and ancient wooden freight cars from the Great Northern Railway are all on-premises and available for exploration.
A one-and-a-half-hour train trip starts in Wickersham and travels alongside Mirror Lake before heading into the woods. A narrated tour of the railroad’s local history keeps guests educated as they take in the Pacific Northwest’s sights.
Happy Valley gives residents a quiet, secluded feel with its pockets of wilderness and tree-lined streets. A quick drive to the coast or a short commute to the bustling city of Seattle ensures residents are never bored and never feel cut off from the more urban Washington setting.
