Cities and Towns in Whatcom County, Washington

Founded in 1854, Whatcom County is one of 39 counties in the state of Washington. Historically, Whatcom County was formed from Island County. The city of Bellingham is the county seat. With FIPS code of 73, Whatcom County has a population of 226,847 and area of 2,107 square miles (5,457 km²).

List of all cities in Whatcom County, WA alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Acme, WA	98220	360/564
Bakerview, WA	98226	360/564
Bellingham, WA	98225	360/564
	98226	360/564
	98227	360/564
	98228	360/564
	98229	360/564
Birch Bay, WA	98230	360/564
Blaine, WA	98230	360/564
	98231	360/564
Chuckanut, WA	98225	360/564
Clearbrook, WA	98295	360/564
Custer, WA	98240	360/564
Deming, WA	98244	360/564
Everson, WA	98247	360/564
	98276	360/564
Fairhaven, WA	98225	360/564
Ferndale, WA	98248	360/564
Glacier, WA	98244	360/564
Kendall, WA	98244	360/564
Lummi Island, WA	98262	360/564
Lynden, WA	98264	360/564
Maple Falls, WA	98266	360/564
Marietta, WA	98225	360/564
Nooksack, WA	98247	360/564
	98276	360/564
Nooksack Indian Reservation, WA	98244	360/564
Pleasant Valley, WA	98248	360/564
Point Roberts, WA	98281	360/564
Saxon, WA	98220	360/564
Silver Beach, WA	98226	360/564
Strandell, WA	98247	360/564
Sumas, WA	98295	360/564
Van Buren, WA	98247	360/564
Welcome, WA	98244	360/564

Major Cities and Towns in Whatcom County, Washington

Bellingham

Location and History

• Area: 34.3 square miles
• Population: Approximately 93,000
• Zip Codes: 98225, 98226, 98227, 98229, 98230
• Latitude: 48.7491° N
• Longitude: 122.4783° W

Bellingham, the largest city in Whatcom County, is situated on the Puget Sound in the far northwest corner of Washington State. Founded in the 1850s, Bellingham was initially a trading post, and later grew as a logging and fishing center, which laid the foundation for its early economic development. The city was incorporated in 1903, and over time, it became an important hub for the timber industry, shipping, and later, education. Today, Bellingham is known for its vibrant arts scene, outdoor recreational opportunities, and proximity to the Canadian border. Its location between Seattle and Vancouver, B.C. has made it an important regional center for culture, commerce, and transportation.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Bellingham is home to Western Washington University (WWU), a prominent public university that plays a major role in the city’s economy and culture. The city is also served by the Bellingham School District, which includes notable schools such as Bellingham High School and Sehome High School. Bellingham is known for its historic Fairhaven District, a beautifully preserved area with Victorian-style buildings, shops, and galleries. Western Washington University’s Performing Arts Center is a key cultural venue for music and theater performances. The city is also home to Boulevard Park, which offers scenic views of the bay, and Whatcom Falls Park, a popular spot for hiking, picnicking, and enjoying waterfalls. Bellingham’s waterfront area, which includes the Bellingham Railway Museum and The Spark Museum of Electrical Invention, provides insight into the city’s industrial past.

Ferndale

Location and History

• Area: 5.6 square miles
• Population: Approximately 15,000
• Zip Codes: 98248
• Latitude: 48.8573° N
• Longitude: 122.6016° W

Ferndale is located just north of Bellingham, near the Nooksack River, and has developed as a suburban city with a strong agricultural and rural heritage. First settled in the 1850s, the town was officially incorporated in 1907. Ferndale’s early economy revolved around farming, logging, and trade with nearby communities. The city’s location along the Nooksack River made it a center for the transportation of agricultural goods, and the advent of the railroad helped its development. Over the years, Ferndale has grown rapidly, attracting new residents due to its proximity to Bellingham and the region’s scenic beauty.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Ferndale is served by the Ferndale School District, which includes Ferndale High School, Vista Middle School, and several elementary schools. The city also boasts a number of recreational opportunities, such as Hovander Homestead Park, a historic farmstead with trails, picnic areas, and a demonstration garden. The Ferndale Heritage Museum highlights the city’s agricultural and industrial history. The Nooksack River and nearby Nooksack Falls provide opportunities for outdoor activities like fishing, hiking, and kayaking. The Ten Mile Creek Park offers additional hiking and nature trails, while Pioneer Park in the heart of Ferndale provides green space and hosts local community events. Ferndale also has a growing commercial sector with shopping, dining, and entertainment venues that serve both locals and visitors.

Lynden

Location and History

• Area: 7.5 square miles
• Population: Approximately 15,000
• Zip Codes: 98264
• Latitude: 48.9509° N
• Longitude: 122.4581° W

Lynden, located near the Canadian border and the Nooksack River, is known for its Dutch heritage and strong agricultural base. It was founded in the late 19th century by settlers of Dutch origin, and incorporated as a city in 1891. The city’s economy has long been centered around farming, particularly dairy farming, and its proximity to the Canadian border has made it a gateway for trade between the United States and Canada. Lynden maintains a charming small-town feel with a strong sense of community, yet it is also a commercial hub for the surrounding rural areas.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Lynden is served by the Lynden School District, which includes Lynden High School and Lynden Christian School, known for its excellent academic and extracurricular programs. A notable feature of Lynden is its Dutch-themed downtown, which includes distinctive architecture, such as Windmill Gardens and the Lynden Heritage Museum, celebrating the city’s Dutch-American culture and farming history. Birch Bay State Park, located just a short drive away, is a popular spot for beachgoers, offering walking trails and tide-pooling. Hovander Homestead Park, located near the Nooksack River, offers scenic views, picnic areas, and historical buildings. Lynden is also known for the Northwest Washington Fairgrounds, which hosts the annual Northwest Washington Fair, a celebration of the region’s agricultural roots with rides, events, and local vendors.

Blaine

Location and History

• Area: 5.0 square miles
• Population: Approximately 6,000
• Zip Codes: 98230
• Latitude: 48.9963° N
• Longitude: 122.7477° W

Blaine is a border town located along the U.S.-Canada border, on the shores of Drayton Harbor. It was first settled in the 1850s and incorporated in 1890. The city was named after James G. Blaine, a U.S. politician and Secretary of State. Blaine’s early development was driven by its location as a trading and shipping port between the U.S. and Canada. Over time, it became known as the “Gateway to the Pacific” and has grown as a popular tourist destination, due to its proximity to both Vancouver, B.C., and the beautiful coastline of the Puget Sound.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Blaine is served by the Blaine School District, which includes Blaine High School and Blaine Middle School. The city is known for the Peace Arch, a monument at the U.S.-Canada border symbolizing friendship and international cooperation between the two nations. Semiahmoo Park offers scenic views of Drayton Harbor and is a popular spot for walking and picnicking. Blaine Marina serves as a hub for recreational boating, while Birch Bay State Park offers visitors access to beaches, nature trails, and camping. The Blaine Harbor is also known for its waterfront activities, such as kayaking and birdwatching. The city hosts several events throughout the year, including the Blaine Festival, celebrating the town’s maritime heritage with parades, arts, and live music.

Nooksack

Location and History

• Area: 1.2 square miles
• Population: Approximately 1,400
• Zip Codes: 98276
• Latitude: 48.9172° N
• Longitude: 122.3476° W

Nooksack is a small, rural community located to the northeast of Bellingham, near the Nooksack River and the foothills of the Cascades. The town was named after the Nooksack River and the Nooksack Native American Tribe, who have inhabited the area for centuries. Nooksack’s economy has historically been based on agriculture, especially dairy farming, and it remains a farming hub in Whatcom County today. The town is part of the broader Nooksack Valley, which is known for its fertile soil and lush landscapes.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Nooksack is served by the Nooksack Valley School District, which includes Nooksack Valley High School and Nooksack Elementary School. The town is home to Nooksack Falls, a picturesque waterfall located just a short drive away, which offers visitors scenic views and opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking and photography. The nearby Sumas Mountain provides additional hiking and wildlife viewing opportunities. The Nooksack River itself is a key feature of the area, offering excellent fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. Twin Rivers Park provides green space for community gatherings, picnicking, and enjoying the natural beauty of the valley. Despite its small size, Nooksack is a close-knit community with a rich agricultural heritage and a deep connection to the land and river that bear its name.