Public Access
Did you know...
Public access points are places where anyone can visit to swim, hike, paddle or simply enjoy the natural beauty of the Lake Whatcom Watershed. Providing public access to places in the Lake Whatcom Watershed helps the public to build a connection with this beautiful resource.
However, undocumented and poorly maintained trails and launch sites can result in significant impacts to water quality. To minimize these impacts, the Lake Whatcom Management Program aims to:
Reduce impacts from existing recreational activities in the watershed
Promote recreational opportunities that are consistent with water quality goals
Develop and improve trails, roads, and facilities to reduce impacts to water quality
Provide low impact public access opportunities
You can help!
Use public access points
By only accessing Lake Whatcom via designated public access points, you are helping to reduce impacts to water quality while maintaining access to this beautiful resource for future generations.
Parks and Reserves
Boat Launches and Marinas
South Bay Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Launch (Discover Pass required)
Sudden Valley Marina (Property owners and residents. Use fee key required)
Western Washington University's Lakewood Facility (For students, alumni, faculty/staff)
*Inspections and aquatic invasive species permits are required for all watercraft operating on Lake Whatcom (Whatcom Boat Inspections).