Whatcom County Map, Washington


Written and Fact-checked by | Updated On: February 17, 2026, 14:47 ET

Map of Whatcom County - Whatcom County is a county located in the U.S. state of Washington. Whatcom County Map showing cities, highways, important places and water bodies. Get Where is Whatcom County located in the map, major cities in Whatcom county, population, areas, and places of interest.

Map of Whatcom County, Washington

Map of Whatcom County, Washington

About Whatcom County Map, Alabama: The map showing the county boundary, county seat, major cities, highways, water bodies and neighbouring counties.

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  • About Whatcom County, Washington

    Whatcom County is located in the northwestern corner of Washington, United States, along the border with Canada and the coastline of the Salish Sea. Established in 1854, the county was named after the Lummi word meaning "noisy water." The county seat and largest city is Bellingham, which serves as a major cultural, educational, and economic center in the region.

    Population

    According to the United States Census Bureau, the population of Whatcom County was 226,847 as recorded in the 2020 Census. The county includes urban centers, coastal communities, and rural areas, with most residents living in and around Bellingham.

    Area and Geography

    According to the United States Census Bureau, Whatcom County covers a total area of approximately 2,503 square miles, including about 2,107 square miles of land and 396 square miles of water. The county features coastal shorelines, mountain ranges, river valleys, and forested terrain extending into the North Cascades.

    Bordering Counties

    Whatcom County shares borders with Skagit County to the south and Okanogan County to the east, while its northern boundary meets Canada.

    Major Cities and Communities

    The principal communities in Whatcom County include Bellingham, Ferndale, Lynden, Blaine, and Everson. Bellingham serves as the county seat and is home to Western Washington University.

    Attractions and Recreation

    Whatcom County offers diverse outdoor recreation including hiking, skiing, boating, and wildlife viewing. The county provides access to North Cascades National Park and scenic coastal areas, attracting visitors throughout the year.

    Transportation

    Major transportation routes serving Whatcom County include Interstate 5 and State Route 542, connecting the county to Seattle and the Canadian border.

    Explore more counties in Washington Counties or view the complete USA States Map section for additional geographic information.

    Sources:

    Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General county information referenced from the Official Whatcom County Government Website.

    Facts about Whatcom County, Washington

    CountryUnited States
    StateWashington
    RegionNorthwestern Washington
    County SeatBellingham
    Named AfterWhatcom (Native American word meaning “noisy waters”)
    Established1854
    Organized1854
    Coordinates48.8280° N, 121.8880° W
    Total Area2,107 sq mi
    Land Area2,103 sq mi
    Water Area4 sq mi
    Population (2020)226,847
    Population RankSeventh most populous county in Washington
    Largest CityBellingham
    Main IndustriesEducation, Healthcare, Manufacturing, Tourism, Trade
    Major HighwaysInterstate 5, State Route 542, State Route 539
    Time ZonePacific Time (UTC−08:00)
    Known ForMount Baker, Puget Sound access, Outdoor recreation
    Websitehttps://www.whatcomcounty.us

    Top Attractions in Whatcom County, Washington

    • Mount Baker – Alpine scenery and skiing.
    • North Cascades National Park (nearby) – Mountain hiking and views.
    • Bellingham Waterfront – Harbor views and dining.
    • Fairhaven Historic District – Shops and Victorian buildings.
    • Chuckanut Drive Scenic Byway – Coastal cliffside drive.
    • Larrabee State Park – Beaches and forest trails.
    • Lake Whatcom – Boating and lakeside recreation.
    • Mount Baker Theatre – Historic performing arts venue.
    • Peace Arch State Park – U.S.–Canada border landmark.
    • Padilla Bay (nearby) – Estuary and wildlife viewing.
    • Whatcom Falls Park – Waterfalls and walking paths.
    • Marine Life Center (Bellingham) – Marine wildlife education.

    Cities & Towns in Whatcom County, Washington

    Bellingham, Ferndale, Lynden, Blaine, Sumas, Everson, Nooksack, Maple Falls, Birch Bay, Lummi Island, Kendall, Acme, Custer, Deming, Glacier, Kendall, Sudden Valley