Pixie Falls
Bellingham, Washington
Details
Distance
0.45 miles
Elevation Gain
125 ft
Description
Added by Stephen Bellrichard
Pixie Falls, located within Bellingham city limits, is roughly a 1-mile roundtrip depending on where you park. During the warmer months, this is a great swimming hole away from larger crowds.
Pixie Falls can be accessed during any season; however it’s most enjoyable during the spring and summer months. This waterfall and swimming hole combo is the perfect way to escape the heat and the crowds. On any given day, there will typically be less than 10 people who access the falls. Pixie is well hidden from the public eye, and a very steep trail keeps most people away. Whatcom Falls - which is further upstream, attracts most of the crowds on any given day.
Upon reaching the waterfall, kick back and relax on the large rock ledge at the top of the falls. There is room for about ten lawn chairs at the top of the falls, with additional room for those willing to put their chairs in shallow water. The upper pool is relative shallow, but is perfect for floating in on a hot day. The lower pool is pretty deep, and can safely support cliff jumping. The falls is no more than 15ft tall at any given time of the year.
There is a natural hole in the rock located in the middle of the waterfall. A rope has been lowered into the hole, and if you are really daring, you can climb up through it. The climb is cold, challenging, disorienting, and cold. Did I mention cold? Be really careful if you attempt to climb up the middle.
Local Tip: Arrive to the waterfall early to claim your spot! Once you jump off the waterfall, swim or walk to the left side of the falls to climb back up. There you will find a knotted rope to aid in your climb.
DIRECTIONS:
- Park near the corner of Woburn and Iowa Street
- Across the street is the entrance to Whatcom Falls Park
- Follow this trail for a few hundred feet
- Go up the large staircase
- Continue roughly 500ft, and take the second trail on your right
- After about 100ft you will arrive at the edge of a steep bluff with a partially functioning fence. If you see a steep trail winding down the bluff, you have arrived at the correct spot. (If not, walk back to the main trail and try another path. Regardless, you are very close).
- Head down the trail and you will arrive at the top of the falls.
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Pixie Falls Reviews
Yes, the falls are always busy, but that doesn't mean this series of waterfalls doesn't offer some good views. The upper falls are smaller and less busy, but the lower falls get more traffic, one of which is a very popular cliff jumping spot, only 40ft or so, but nice deep clear water to jump into, it can be a lot of fun if you don't mind company. Granted, in the summer with families gathered, some even cooking on grills, and such, it can ruin the 'nature' part of the experience.
3.0
Unless you live there, Pixie Falls is a waste of time. A lot of local kids just drinking and hanging out. Nothing against doing that since I would have done the same thing if I lived there.
1.0
Pixie falls is a great local spot to hangout, I love walking up the creek to get to the falls but it can be accessed from either direction.
Leave No Trace
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Nearby
Whatcom Falls
Explore Locust Beach (Bellingham, WA)
Hike to Pine & Cedar Lakes
Explore Teddy Bear Cove
Hike to Fragrance Lake
Take a Stroll through Hovander Homestead Park
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