If you are looking for dedicated, hard-core hikers, then look no further than Bellingham, Washington. An hour and a half north of Seattle, Bellingham more closely resembles Vancouver, which is a stone's throw away. Washington is home to many fitness-oriented people, so it's easy to find fellow hikers.
Distribution
There are hiking clubs all over Bellingham, Washington. There is Boomers Hiking Club, which has an official website and its own Facebook page. They hike about three or four times a month. Mount Baker Club is a very popular group that was established in 1911 and they offer every outdoor activity available from hiking to canoeing, biking and skiing. There's also Bellingham Mountaineers, a very challenging group whose hikes are strenuous and not for the novice hiker.
Bellingham Trails
Located in between Mt. Baker and Puget Sound Bay, Bellingham has the trails that hikers dream of traveling. Even the National Park Service and National Hiking Society gave Bellingham the nick name of "Trail Town USA." Every trail has a lake or mountain or forest surrounding it. The Chuckanut Mountain Trails have over 8,000 acres of land and hiking paths. There's the Hertz Trail, the Interturban Trail, the Raptor Ridge Trail and a laundry list of other great hikes ranging from beginner to extremely advanced.
Membership
Considering all the things Bellingham has to offer, annual dues for the city's several hiking clubs are relatively cheap. A year pass with Bellingham Moutaineers is only $73 for an individual and $130 for a family. Students and seniors enjoy a deep discount and only pay $36 and $48 respectively. The Mountaineers have a one-time initiation fee of $35. For the person on a much tighter budget, Mount Baker's club dues are only $15 for the individual and $18 for a family.
Volunteering
Bellingham's hiking and outdoor clubs really encourage kids to get involved, but volunteers are very important in making sure these groups cater to the youth properly. The Moutaineers feel it is necessary for older, well-trained outdoorsmen to share their experience with children and teenagers. Mount Baker Club's volunteer efforts focus on conservation and helping the environment.
Winter Hiking
Bellingham has the perfect weather for those that enjoy winter hiking, which is popular in the Northwest. Washington State has a cool climate that its residents are used to, so of course a little rain or snowfall would not stop them from hitting the trails. Devout hikers can enjoy the winter without the hassle and cost of the more expensive winter activities, such as skiing and snowboarding.
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