Leaving Rainier and Biking in Bellingham

I know it’s been a while since my last post! I’m going to continue telling you about my trip to the PNW. Next up: the final day at Rainier National Park and arriving in Seattle! For the final morning in Ashford, my sister and I drove back into the park and made another trip up to Paradise. It was a bit cooler and a little more cloud but we could still see the mountain!

On the way back down, we stopped for a little hike to Carter Falls. Part of the trail crosses over Paradise River and offered spectacular views of Rainier.

After the hike, we drove ~2 hrs to Seattle. We checked into our Air BnB in West Seattle (Arroyo Heights District), settled in and took an uber to dinner at Elliott Bay Pub & Brewery.

The next morning, we drove 2 hrs north to Bellingham, Washington. Since we were going to be so close to this PWN MTB destination, I had to check it out. Thankfully, my sister was up for it! We decided to rent some mountain bikes at Jack’s Bike Center and ride to the trails at Galbraith Mtb Park. I rented a Liv Hail, a full suspension enduro bike similar to my own Knolly Warden. Julie rented a Liv Pique and she loved it!

We started by climbing up a logging road and because we were pressed for time, only got a chance to ride a few flowy trails down (Bob’s and Karma). If these few trails are a preview of the entire trail system, they must be incredible!

It was Julie’s first time riding a mtb (on some serious terrain!) and she did an awesome job! So proud of her!

After our ride, we stopped at Kulshan Brewing for a beverage and some tacos from a food truck. Jordan and I will have to come back to Bellingham to do some real riding!