Bellingham in Whatcom County, Washington — The American West (Northwest)

Daylighting Padden Creek

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, July 21, 2021

1. Daylighting Padden Creek Marker

Inscription. After flowing in an underground tunnel for over 120 years, a section of Padden Creek is open to the daylight again. The Padden Creek Daylighting project restores fish passage, reduces flooding risk, and improves water quality in our community.

In the early 1890s, a portion of Padden Creek was diverted underground into a brick tunnel almost a half mile long. The tunnel was meant to drain wetlands and divert surface water, including Padden Creek, from the surrounding land in preparation for the Great Northern Railroad in Fairhaven. However, the railroad was never constructed.

Unfortunately, the undersized tunnel caused periodic flooding, created a barrier to migrating fish, and degraded water quality and habitat.

In 2015, the City of Bellingham daylighted a section of Padden Creek by re-routing the creek out of an underground tunnel and into an open stream channel. The wider, more natural channel approximates the creek's historical location and provides fish access to over a mile of previously inaccessible habitat. The project also reduces the risk of flooding for over 150 nearby residences.

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This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Environment. A significant historical year for this entry is 2015.

Location. 48° 42.923′ N, 122° 29.606′ W. Marker is in Bellingham, Washington, in Whatcom County. It can be reached from Old Fairhaven Parkway west of 20th Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Bellingham WA 98225, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Washington’s Puget Sound Region.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast,

in the Pacific Northwest,

and in the Lewis & Clark Corridor.

Globally, it is in North America,

in the Cascade Range,

in the Inside Passage,

on the Ring of Fire,

on the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Charles X. Larrabee (approx. half a mile away); Fairhaven Library (approx. 0.6 miles away); Counterfeiters' Hide Out (approx. 0.6 miles away); Phoebe Goodell Judson (approx. 0.6 miles away); Town Pillory (approx. 0.6 miles away); Samuel Longhorne Clemens (Mark Twain) (approx. 0.6 miles

Daylighting Padden Creek Marker - wide view image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, July 21, 2021

2. Daylighting Padden Creek Marker - wide view

The subject marker is on the left, with an interpretive panel about the creek itself on the right. The creek is located in a ravine behind the markers. Ordinarily a photo of the creek would be provided for this marker, but the ravine is so lush or overgrown at this location that there is little to see with regard to the creek itself.

away); The Tulip Fountain (approx. 0.6 miles away); Site of Puget Sound Sawmills and Shingle Company (approx. 0.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bellingham.

More about this marker. The marker is located at the Interurban Trail Rotary Trailhead on the south side of Old Fairhaven Parkway.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 23, 2021. It was originally submitted on July 23, 2021, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 288 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 23, 2021, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.