Stewardship | Education | Fun | The Confluence 

We promote outdoor recreation and bring people together to enjoy, preserve and improve the places where we play.

Our programs include Parkscriptions, Stewardship of Fairhaven Park, Recreation Economy Education & Advocacy and FUN with Bellingham Traverse and Quest Adventure Races.

About Recreation Northwest

Join us on the Path Forward

As Stewards of Fairhaven Park we are committed to improving the trails and connecting our values of conservation and recreation. 
Visit the page for park maps, a schedule of guided walks and to sign-up for volunteer work parties.

Have a Hand in Building the Fairhaven Park Trail and Boardwalk.

You can help your neighbors right here in Whatcom County enjoy the increased physical, mental, emotional and community health benefits of time spent outdoors. 

Please help us create the foundation of the Parkscriptions program and build a more health Whatcom. You investment will help fund the challenging task of creating the online database and materials used by healthcare providers and the public. 

Saturday, September 16th, 2017
Bellingham Traverse

Get Hooked on the Bellingham Traverse, a fun relay race that celebrates the journey of wild salmon. Families, friends and local companies form Chinook (solo), Coho (tandem) and CHUM (relay teams) to run, bike and paddle through Bellingham’s scenic parks, winding trails and open waterways.

Have fun with your friends and compete with the best–everyone is welcome to participate in this beloved community event. Celebrate your accomplishment with a pint of Traverse Ale at the Boundary Bay Brewery Finish Line!  The Traverse supports the Stewardship Programs of Recreation Northwest.

Using mountain bikes and your trusty feet, you will navigate a series of checkpoints using only map and compass to make your way from start to finish. Experts get to use sea kayaks too!

May 13th, 2017 – Kulshan Quest – Bellingham, WA

May 14th, 2017 – Bellingham Swimrun – Bellingham, WA

September 30th, 2017 – Island Quest – Orcas Island, WA

Congratulations to our Quest AR Team for 10th place in GodZone Queenstown in New Zealand. Finish time: 4 days 11 hours 34 min.

Track them on the Quest Adventure Races Facebook page. Watch videos and get updates from the race!

This is an opportunity to get together with your colleagues in outdoor recreation. Get to know each other, develop new business ideas, and just have some FUN. 

See you in October

We are proud to announce the release of Economic Impact of Outdoor Recreation in Whatcom County, Washington. The study shows the Contribution by Outdoor Recreational Expenditures, Recreation Business Economy and Ecosystem Services in Recreational Lands. More details.

Economic Contribution of Outdoor Recreation to Whatcom County

Download the Full Report

Download the Factsheet

Recreation Industry Professionals check out our Outdoor Recreation SUMMIT. 

Bring your friends and family to check out the Recreation Northwest EXPO.
Explore Washington’s outdoor recreation opportunities to find new ways to get outside and play.

FREE Admission to come to this exciting annual event.