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Galbraith Mountain, Questions Answered

Recently the WHIMPs have been fielding numerous questions regarding the use, ownership and general  history of Galbraith Mountain. In an attempt to help educate our fellow users and insure our continued use of this area we have put together some information to get the users both old and new get up to speed.

Background:  Galbraith Mountain is the common name by which North Lookout Mountain is known. This spectacular tract of open space is nestled between Bellingham to the west and Lake Whatcom to the East in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains. Views are incredible and showcase Bellingham Bay, The San Juan Islands, The Canadian Coastal Range, The North Cascades and Mt. Baker.

Land Use Policy:  Galbraith Mountain is open to NON-MOTORIZED use only. The full stewardship stewardship agreement can be viewed here. The Whatcom Independent Mountain Pedalers are responsible for the trail maintenance, trail building and help with user management of this area. Unauthorized trail maintenance and construction is not allowed. Let us know if you have a trail idea or to report unauthorized trails/TTF's, by clicking here.

Galbraith Mountain Ownership:  Currently a large portion of the mountain, where most of the trails the WHIMPs have built, is land owned by Trillium Corporation, a Whatcom County based business. Trillium's land holdings on Galbraith Mountain constitute over 3,600 acres.

Access:  Two major access points for trail users are available. Both access points are restricted to non-motorized access only (as is the rest of the mountain). Bellingham has an incredible network of Greenway and Rails to Trails. You can access Galbraith Mountain by bike in about 1/2 hour from anywhere in the city. This 1/2 hour can make for the perfect warm up before the ascent up the mountain and when the Greenways are used makes for an enjoyable low or non-traffic ride to the trailhead.

To enter Galbraith Mountain from the south:
Use Galbraith Lane off of Samish Way. It is important to continue south on the Galbraith Lane on the paved road and past where it turns gravel and through the easement to the gate that denotes entering Trillium Land. This gate is signed with their logo and allowable uses. The Easement most users historically utilized up the towers road is no longer applicable due to change in land ownership. Those accessing from the Galbraith Lane should park at the parking lot maintained by Bellingham City Parks on Samish Way or at Lake Padden Park and ride up the park trails to Galbraith. The gravel pull-out on Galbraith Lane is a privately maintained easement-PLEASE be courteous and respectful to the neighbors and do not park there.

To enter from the North:
Use Birch Street off of Lakeway Drive. The WHIMPs have worked with the firm of the impending housing development and the city parks dept. to maintain access to Galbraith Mountain during construction. It is very important to continue due south on the Birch Street right of way to the relatively newly constructed Miranda Trail which leads to the famous Ridge Trail. The Miranda Trail is located on a private conservation easement. The Ridge Trail is located within a Bellingham City Parks Conservation Easement and is City Park Property. The best place to park is Whatcom Falls Park not on Birch St. Please be courteous and respectful to the neighbors and park at Whatcom Falls and not on the side of the Birch St. Parking on Birch St. is extremely limited and more often than not results in obstructing a residents driveway.

Trail Etiquette:  IMBA rules of the trail apply on Galbraith Mountain just as they do in the rest of Whatcom County and other multiple use lands. The fact that mountain bikers build and maintain all the trails on Galbraith does not mean we do not need to continue to yield to hikers and equestrians. Ride in control at all times especially on blind corners. With increased use we should expect to encounter other users on the way down. A note to dog owners: Please leash your dogs upon exiting the trails. Not only is it for the safety of your pooch but also the safety of the neighborhood through which you ride.

Have Fun:  Galbraith Mountain and Whatcom County was recently ranked as one of the top 10 places to ride in the nation. The increased use and the official permission to use the land has resulted in some minor changes for non-motorized users. These changes are definitely for the better and paramount among them is that there is an official policy allowing for recreational use of this land

Motorized Use on Galbraith Mountain Prohibited.   In the past 15 years Galbraith Mountain has been frequented by motorized and non-motorized users alike but written and/or explicit permission by the previous land owner was never granted. The whole area was much more of a don't look, don't tell land management policy. When Trillium purchased the land this all changed.

Signs have been posted throughout the mountain and key access points to inform users of the policy. This includes motorcycles, ATVs, ORVs and 4 X 4s. Recently there has been an increase of illegal motorized use of Galbraith Mountain. Unfortunately the illegal motorized users have become increasingly aggressive and are riding in an unsafe manner. Please do not put your personal safety in jeopardy.

If you are confronted or are approached in an unsafe manner please note the make of the motorcycle or ATV, the color of the vehicle and riders helmet and if applicable the license plate number and report to the Sheriff's department. If you feel any of the individuals exhibiting such behavior pose an immediate threat to yourself or other users, dial 911 and report the activity. Again, please do not put your personal safety in jeopardy, notify the appropriate authorities and let them deal with the situation.

Have fun and Happy Trails,

THE WHIMPs.

Questions or comments?  WHIMPs President   

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