Welcome to Sehome Hill Arboretum, a historical oasis nestled in the heart of Bellingham, Washington. Spanning 175.5 acres, this arboretum is a testament to the region’s rich natural and cultural history. Established as Sehome Park in the early 20th century, the area evolved from a coal mining site to a beloved public space. In the 1850s, coal scouts Henry Hewitt and William Brown discovered coal here, leading to the founding of the Bellingham Bay Coal Company in 1855. This discovery marked the beginning of industrial activity in the area, with tunnels rumored to still lace beneath the arboretum, their exact locations lost to time.
In 1893, C.X. Larrabee proposed donating land for a park, and by 1920, Sehome Hill was officially purchased for park purposes. It was around this time that the iconic tunnel on Huntoon Drive was hand-cut into the rock, initially for vehicle traffic. In 1974, the area was transformed into an arboretum, closing off most of it to automobiles, allowing nature to reclaim its space.
The arboretum’s management is a collaborative effort between the city of Bellingham and Western Washington University, reflecting its importance as a community and educational resource. Notable figures like Bert Huntoon, an engineer and park commissioner, played a significant role in the park’s development.
Today, visitors can enjoy over five miles of trails, perfect for hiking and exploration. The observation tower offers stunning panoramic views of Bellingham Bay, making it a must-visit spot for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.
