Finding community on the longest pier in Washington.
On a warm summer morning, Little Squalicum Pier buzzes with quiet excitement. A group of shirtless joggers touch the wooden railing at the end and turn back. An elderly couple points at the cloudless, blue sky as a floatplane descends into the woods. There’s a rhythmic clatter as a son and his father ride their bicycles over the sun-kissed boards.
The Little Squalicum Pier in Bellingham was originally built in 1912 by the Olympic Portland Cement Company as an industrial pier to transport cement products in railcars to barges. It operated until around 1987, after which it sat, dilapidating.
In late April 2025 — after addition of pedestrian guardrails, deck grating, solar and wind-powered lighting and more by the City of Bellingham — the pier was officially opened to the public, making it the longest public pier in Washington at 1,248 feet. Residents and visitors alike are attracted to the century-old wonder that overlooks Bellingham Bay. What was once a humble walkway over the water has now become a place for routine, activity and reflection.
“I’ve come every day,” said Mike Mahoney, smiling. “At least I try.”
He stood with his two dogs, basking in the warmth and ocean breeze. Mahoney grew up in Oakland, Calif. and spent a lot of time in San Francisco. Walking the length of the pier, he said, reminds him of being back there.
“It’s the most beautiful view you can get of the mountains,” said Mahoney. “Especially today; it’s super clear. I take pictures of them every time I come out.”
A wife and her husband are quietly chatting at the end of the pier.
“It’s nice because the view is more expansive,” said Vanessa, as her husband, Tony, nodded in agreement. The two stood near the end of the pier, leaning against the wooden railing. Both said they appreciated the breathtaking view over the water and effort the city of Bellingham put into refurbishing the pier.
“Like she just said, ‘Mount Baker is right there,’” said Tony, laughing.
A few steps away, a father and son are enjoying the view. Their bicycles were propped against the wooden guardrail beside them.
“I saw the pier about two to three weeks ago, when I was training for the Ski to Sea, and I didn’t know it was here,” said Joe Fritz, as his son, Thomas, smiled. “Bellingham is gorgeous. It’s worth the walk for the view.”
In the months since its opening, Little Squalicum Pier has become an active spot for people who want to ride or run, touch the railing at the end, and race back. Soon, two more bicyclists barrel towards the length of the pier, the wooden boards knocking under the rubber wheels.
“It feels like you’re out in the middle of the water,” said Dawn Vink, smiling, as her husband, Dan, let out a short laugh and agreed.
When Dawn and Dan Vink first visited the pier, they walked across it on foot. Later, they found a bike trail that led down to it. So, on their bicycles, they rode from Barkley Village, traversing the many trails in Bellingham, to reach Little Squalicum Pier.
“It’s a long pier, it’s impressively long for just a pedestrian pier,” said Dan Vink. “You can look back and see the shoreline.”
The couple spent a lot of time in Huntington Beach, Newport and San Diego and said those beaches have more of an active ocean aesthetic. Little Squalicum Pier, they said, feels more rustic, and although the water is more impressive, it’s not exactly inviting for surfing or swimming. But the view from the end, they added, has quickly made it one of their favorite piers to visit.
“Discover this newly developed gem in Bellingham,” said Dan Vink.
Later in the afternoon, a crowd forms at the end. The sun strikes the crashing waves at a low angle, catching the choppy peaks as they foam white and silver from stirring winds. Near the pier’s edge, a man points out the crystal-clear view of the mountains and islands.
“I actually used to come out here when I was in my 20s, a long time ago, and used to drink some beers,” said Matt Fuller. “I’ve been coming down here almost every day.”
Fuller said that before the new section was built, the pier extended a couple of hundred yards and was connected to a pipeline from the cement plant. He said the pipe was torn out two or three years ago, a part of the city of Bellingham’s plan to restore the waterfront.
“Enjoy the sights,” said Fuller. “One thing it allows us to do now is look back at Bellingham and the beaches.”
Fuller said the city should consider adding benches along the pier for people to sit, enjoy the weather and reconnect with nature. He called Little Squalicum Pier “a little slice of heaven” and was an expansion of the love the city has for the community.
A small crowd gathers at the end of the pier, and someone asks Fuller if he’s seen people casting fishing lines over the railings. He says that even at the end of the pier, the water is only three or four feet deep, and you can walk through the sand when the tide is low.
“I see people over in Fairhaven all the time crabbing, so I’m sure there’ll be people here crabbing sooner or later,” said Fuller, grinning.
In the crowd, Brian Burns rests against the wooden railing, looking back at the shoreline from the farthest point of the pier.
“I grew up right down the road, and this was my playground growing up,” said Burns. He said he hadn’t heard about the new remodeling of Little Squalicum Pier until three weeks ago, and as soon as he did, he knew he had to come and see it for himself.
“When I was a kid, there was great crabbing here,” said Burns. “We used to bring snorkel gear and swim along this dock all the way out here, bringing crabs.”
When he was younger, Burns and his friends would walk down to the beach, past the abandoned mineshafts, and would boil whatever they caught on the shore.
“We had rope swings on the bridges,” he added. “Compared to what it was, the way they turned it into what it is now is amazing.”
As the sun begins to descend over Bellingham Bay, a group rushes to the end of the pier, asking to use the space briefly for a music project.
“It’s so beautiful and it’s the best spot for a music video,” said Steven. “Makes you feel like you’re close to someone.”
— By Ronan Lynch
Also read in Salish Current:
• “Little Squalicum Pier will open up Bellingham Bay,” April 9, 2024
• “Beach eggs,” Aug. 23, 2023
• “Little estuary to see big restoration investment,” April 25, 2021