Galbraith mountain is the hub of mountain biking in Bellingham. It’s also a unique area that isn’t like anything you’ve ever ridden before. It’s best to go with a local your first time but if you can’t that’s what this guide is for. Don’t be too worried about getting lost, you probably will. After all this is the loamy PNW and it’s impossible to tell where you are most of the time. BUT Galbraith is covered with enough unique signs and helpful locals that you’ll never be far from getting back on track.
Mountain biking on Galbraith mountain gives you eighty-five miles of singletrack spread out across 3,000 acres owned by a logging company. The trails are accessible thanks to WMBC, a local trail group.
Tip: If you want to act like a local call it Galby.
Where to Ride – Mountain Biking Galbraith
The best place to access Galbraith is from Galbraith Lane and the parking lot on Samish Way. This is a city-owned property that was paid for by private funds raised by the WMBC and opened in May 2022. It has nearly 200 parking spots, and porta-poties. It feels relatively safe as people are always tailgating and coming and going but don’t put your guard down and leave anything in your vehicle. If you want to be a bit closer to the trails (not have to cross a major road) you can also use the Dollar Lot on Galbraith Lane. This lot is a $1 per person and is on private property. It also had the cleanest porta-potty you’ve ever seen.
Galbraith mountain biking trails
Once on Galbraith Lane you’ll pedal to the trails located on the Southside. These are the most popular trails and where you’ll want to start. Go straight towards the pipeline road and through the yellow gate. At this point, I prefer to climb Dog Patch to Tower Road.
First Time Loop: If you want a gentle intro to the Galby trails try this route. If you want a more jumps swap out U-line for Pump Track.
»Kid Friendly: Yes. My son enjoys climbing Dog Patch as it has some fun challenges. If you stay on Tower road you can use a tow rope the entire way. Remember to scout out the features before sending them.
»Go Big: Keep climbing Tower road to Evolution for jumps, drops and ladders.
Mullet/Cheech and Chong: As you’re climbing up Tower Road you’ll come to an intersection with red painted rocks. Go left here. Mullet will be about 1,000 ft. up on your left.
»Kid Friendly: Yes! Fun, fast, flowy trails with jumps that can be rolled and optional gaps.
»Go Big: Keep climbing Tower road or Huff and Puff to Mohawk for Galby’s biggest jump line outside Blue Steel.
Das Auto Bahn/Irish Death: Want a little more DH? Das Auto Bahn will start you out with some drops and steep and lead you right into Irish Death. Irish Death is a DH orientated trail but isn’t cringe worthy with many optional root doubles and fun tech lines. There are two optional jumps at the end of the trail.
»Kid Friendly: Advanced groms.
»Go Big: Add in Scorpion and Radical Dragon
Dad Bod: Dad Bod is a spicy Enduro trail on the eastside. I think of it more as a black so if you can clean this trail you’re definitely ready for the blacks. It involves some climbing to get there but you’ll be rewarded with some views and tech descents. From the bottom you can link up a variety of trails or climb back over to Mullet area.
»Kid Friendly: Advanced groms.
»Go Big: Add in Devilcross.
SST: One of the signature trails on Galbraith. Fast flow trail all the way down to the north entrance.
Lots of fun jumps & gaps and an epic rock roll with a ride-around.
»Kid Friendly: Yes, kids of all abilities should enjoy this trail.
Cedar Dust Jumps: If you keep riding up Powerline road you’ll hit the jump park. Four jump lines descend from Cedar Dust clear cut – Easy, medium,advanced and pro. Advanced line has large machine-built doubles, tables, drops and berms.
»Kid Friendly: Check out the green and blue lines first. Prevelo actually sponsors the green line and it’s perfect for learning jumps and berms. Warning the blue has a drop near the top. Stay right if you want to go around.
Where to Sleep
Bellingham isn’t the best place for camping. Your choices are Larabee State Park and a handful of RV Parks mostly in Burlington. Definitely a downside as Bellingham isn’t really a mountain/tourist town when it comes to rolling out the red carpet for campers. Of course if you have a van or something small there are always places you can find. If you’re looking for a hotel I’ve heard the Heliotrope Hotel is a nice place for MTBers.
Beer:30 in Bellingham
Bellingham does not lack for post ride beer, eats and general cool places to hang out. Here’s a few of our favorites. Want more? Check out the Tap Trail.
Transition Outpost: Located on Samish Way not far from the trails you’ll find the Outpost. Bikes.Beer.Community is their tagline. What else do you need in life? Very cool atmosphere to chill and chat after your ride.
»Kid Friendly: Yep, they have sodas. They also have some great kids bike gear.
Kulshan Trackside Brewery: A seasonal beer garden near the pump track and dirt jumps in downtown Bellingham. The beer is top notch here, the food trucks have always been yummy and it’s great for watching people send it on jumps.
»Kid Friendly: Can’t think of a better place in Bellingham to have a beer with kiddos.
Aslan Brewing: Organic beer and food with a hip yet friendly vibe. This is solid stop.
»Kid Friendly: They have a kids menu!
Wander Brewing: Located in a warehouse Wander Brewing is a fun place to hang out. They have tasty beer and food trucks.
»Kid Friendly: Sure they can tag along here. Same with the pup
Bike Shops in Bellingham
Fanatik Bike Co: We love stopping in here for gear or clothing when in town. The staff is always helpful and the selection is deep.
Also check out Kona’s bike shop and the Transition Outpost mentioned above.
Have you ridden Galby? What did you think? What are your favorite trails and post-ride hangouts? Leave a comment!