The legacy of Lake Day

Lakewood — a recreational facility along Lake Whatcom near Sudden Valley — opened for the 2026 season last month with a kickoff event called Lake Day that drew about 300 students.

At Lakewood, students, staff and faculty at Western Washington University and other local colleges can rent everything from paddleboards to sailboat rides. Rentals of equipment and rides are free for students.

But Lakewood is more than a place for recreation – its 15 acres provide vital habitat for Bellingham’s native species.