In an area of Whatcom County with limited trail running and walking opportunities, this forested haven provides a welcome opportunity for soft footing.
Named after early Whatcom homesteaders Hans and Lida Berthusen, the park’s origins trace back to the late 1800’s when Hans spared a large tract of forest while clearing land for farming.
Vestiges from the park’s working past remain as Han’s grand, old barn greets visitors just inside the entrance. After crossing a bridge over Bertrand Creek you quickly find yourself in the shadow of huge, ancient trees as the park consists largely of old and second growth forest. With an arboreal canopy high above, the open understory below makes way for an extensive network of spongy, soft woodland trails.
While mostly flat and easy to navigate, there is some short dipping and rising on some paths and an opportunity to run along the banks of the creek for a short distance.
No need to pre-plan your route as you can intersperse sections of wider and narrower paths that criss-cross throughout the park, traveling a few miles without repeating any one section.
http://whatcom.kulshan.com/Washington/Whatcom+County/Lynden/Outdoors/Berthusen+Park.htm
By, Genevie Roguski