Whatcom County, Washington
Whatcom County sits at the northwestern tip of Washington state, right along the Canadian border. It’s home to Bellingham, a laid-back college town with a lively arts scene.
The county boasts some of the most diverse landscapes in the state. You’ve got the San Juan Islands to the west, the North Cascades to the east, and plenty of scenery in between.
Mount Baker, a dormant volcano, is a playground for skiers and snowboarders. The area is also known for outdoor recreation such as hiking, mountain biking, and kayaking. Farms along the Nooksack River valley produce everything from berries to dairy.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Whatcom County |
| County Seat | Bellingham |
| Etymology | Named after the Nooksack word “Whatcom,” meaning “noisy water” |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Bellingham, Ferndale, Lynden, Blaine, Birch Bay, Deming, Everson |
| Interstates and Highways | I-5, WA-542, WA-539, WA-9 |
| FIPS Code | 53-073 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 2,503 sq mi (Land: 2,107 sq mi; Water: 396 sq mi) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Okanogan County (East), San Juan County (Southwest), Skagit County (South) |
| Time Zone | Pacific Time Zone (PT) |
| Population | Approximately 245,000 |
| State | Washington |
| Coordinates | 48.8787° N, 121.9719° W |
| Major Landmarks | Mount Baker, North Cascades National Park, Larrabee State Park |
PHYSICAL MAP
Whatcom County Topographic Map
Whatcom County is where the mountains crash into the sea. The North Cascades rise in the east, with Mount Baker towering at more than 10,000 feet. Meanwhile, the western edge levels out into bays, farmland, and the softer terrain around Bellingham.
TRANSPORTATION MAP
Whatcom County Road Map
Interstate 5 slices north to south, hugging the coast before reaching the Canadian border. It’s the main artery here, while State Route 542 winds east toward the mountains. Once you get into the forest, however, roads become scarce and steep.
SATELLITE IMAGERY
Whatcom County Satellite Map
From above, Bellingham stands out along the shoreline, while dark forests stretch inland. Snowcapped Mount Baker is a bright focal point, even from high above. Along the coast, Lummi and Portage Islands also peek into view.
OUTLINE MAP
Whatcom County Blank Map
The county’s shape is wide and jagged, especially where the mountains take over. The northern edge forms an international border with British Columbia. To the west, it touches Puget Sound, while the eastern side fades into forested wilderness.
Washington County Maps
Washington County Map
Seattle may get most of the attention, but the rest of Washington State is where the wild truly shines. From rugged Pacific coastlines and lush forests to towering mountain ranges, Washington’s 39 counties offer an incredible variety of landscapes, communities, and outdoor adventures. Explore them all and find your favorite place in Washington.