May is officially behind us, and if the golden light over Bellingham Bay on Sunday morning was any indication, summer has arrived. Photographer Gerry Creighton captured the moment at Taylor Dock, the iconic overwater boardwalk at Boulevard Park, as the first day of June brought clear skies and the warmth that Bellingham residents spend all spring waiting for.
Taylor Dock sits along the South Bay Trail and is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Bellingham's waterfront park system. The restored trestle boardwalk stretches out over Bellingham Bay, offering sweeping views of the San Juan Islands, the Olympic Mountains to the south, and the Cascade foothills to the east. On a clear June morning, all of it is on full display.
Boulevard Park, which anchors the south end of Bellingham's waterfront trail network, is a year-round gathering place for the community. But June marks the unofficial start of its busiest season. Families spread out on the grass, cyclists cruise the South Bay Trail, and kayakers launch from the park's lower beach. The dock itself becomes a steady parade of walkers, joggers, and anyone who just wants to stand over the water and take in the bay.
The South Bay Trail connects Boulevard Park to Fairhaven Village Green to the south and extends northward toward downtown, making Taylor Dock a natural midpoint on one of Whatcom County's most-used recreational corridors. Bellingham Parks and Recreation manages the trail and the park, which sees significant foot traffic from May through September.
Gerry Creighton, whose photography regularly captures Bellingham's natural settings, posted the image to the Bellingham Experience community page on Sunday. The photo drew an immediate response from locals marking the seasonal transition. For many in Bellingham, a clear shot of Taylor Dock in June sunshine is as reliable a signal as any that the good months have arrived.
June also brings longer days to Whatcom County, with sunset arriving well past 9 PM by mid-month. The extended daylight makes evening visits to Boulevard Park and the dock particularly popular, especially on weeknights when the bay tends to go glassy and calm after the afternoon wind settles.
Parking at Boulevard Park can fill quickly on sunny summer weekends. The main lot off Bayview Drive tends to fill by late morning. City of Bellingham Parks recommends arriving early or using street parking along South State Street and walking down the hill. The trail is also easily accessible by bike from downtown and the Fairhaven neighborhood.
If you want to take in the summer kickoff at Taylor Dock this week, conditions look favorable. The National Weather Service is forecasting continued sunshine across northwest Washington through the early part of June. More details on Bellingham-area outdoor activities and upcoming events along the water are worth keeping an eye on as the season gets underway.
