Sumas Travel Guide

Explore the charming small town of Sumas in North Cascades region, its picturesque views, natural attractions, and cultural landmarks. Get a complete travel guide to Sumas with all the essential tips and information.


Introduction to Sumas

Located in the scenic landscapes of North Cascades, Sumas is a small charming town in the Whatcom County of Washington state. The town is nestled in the foothills of Mount Baker and is an excellent starting point for exploring the North Cascades region. Sumas is a popular destination for adventure seekers and nature lovers, thanks to its abundance of hiking trails, scenic views, and outdoor recreation opportunities. In this comprehensive Sumas travel guide, we’ll take you on a journey to explore all the must-visit places, local food and drink, where to stay, outdoor activities, cultural landmarks, and much more.

List of Places to Visit in Sumas

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Sumas Historical Society – located in the heart of downtown, the Sumas historical society exhibits feature artifacts and materials from Sumas’s past including farming equipment, photographs, and memorabilia, providing an insightful look into the town’s history.
  • Pioneer Park - a beautiful park with a museum, the park was built by the Sumas Historical Society in honor of the first settlers of the town. Visitors can take a stroll through the park or have picnics and enjoy the sweeping views of the surrounding mountains.

Natural Attractions of Sumas: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Mount Baker National Forest – A vast and stunning national park that covers over a million acres, Mount Baker has plenty of activities to enjoy, from hiking, camping, and fishing to skiing during winter. The park is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise.
  • Nooksack Falls - These picturesque falls are photogenic, and the trail to the falls is an easy walk. Visitors can relax, take photos, and admire the falls in the lookout area while enjoying the babbling sound of the falls.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Sumas

  • Mount Baker National Forest Hikes – Mount Baker has over 1,000 miles of well-marked hiking trails with spectacular views through meadows and wildflower-covered landscapes.
  • Mount Baker Scenic Loop - A well-known bike route popular among bikers from all over the country. An 88-mile loop takes you around the stunning scenery of Mount Baker.

Best Things to Do in Sumas: Activities and Tours

  • Nooksack River Rafting Tour – A thrilling adventure of rafting through the Nooksack River, with helmsmanship classes and safety guiding from expert rafters available. The tour runs for about four hours and is suitable for all skill levels.
  • North Cascades Scenic Driving Tour – A 95-mile self-guided drive, passes through North Cascades National Park and towards the splendid Ross Lake before the road loops back to the starting point. Do keep your camera handy.

Week-Long Itinerary for Sumas

Looking for a well-planned Sumas itinerary? Here’s a seven-day guide;

  • Day 1: Arrive in Sumas, Rest, and explore the downtown area.
  • Day 2: Explore the stunning natural scenery of Mount Baker National Forest.
  • Day 3: Visit Pioneer Park and the Sumas Historical Society.
  • Day 4: Do the North Cascades Scenic Driving Tour.
  • Day 5: Go hiking or biking in the park or try fly fishing in the Nooksack River.
  • Day 6: Take the Nooksack River Rafting Tour.
  • Day 7: Check-out from the hotel and leave back for home.

Food and Drink Scene of Sumas

Must-Try Dishes

  • Fresh Seafood – Sumas is especially known for fresh fish and seafood that visitors can savor in the local cuisine.
  • Berry Pie - Sumas is known for its local berry farms, so visitors can try the town-famous berry pies.
  • Famous Poutine Special - This savory dish contains crispy fries, gooey cheese curds, and a secret poutine gravy that originates from Quebec, Canada.

Local Beverages

  • Sumas Brewery - Fresh brewed beer with ingredients from local farms.
  • North Fork Brewery - The first brewery in the United States to integrate as a non-profit, the brewery features amazing beers like India Pale Ale, Hefeweizen, and Porter.
  • Homestead Farms Distillery - Small-batch spirits distilled from Yakima Valley fruit, Homestead Farms is worth a visit.

Where to Stay in Sumas: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Sumas Mountain Lodge - The famous rustic lodge offers modern amenities like air conditioning, flat-screen TVs and miles of spectacular views.
  • Downtowner Motel - Providing budget-friendly accommodations, this motel is located a few blocks away from the downtown area.
  • Lakefront Home Rental - Located along the Nooksack River, the rental homes offer a peaceful retreat for a unique vacation experience.

What to Buy in Sumas: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Fresh Berries and Jams - Visitors can find numerous local berry farms and taste the delicious jams, preserves, and syrups made from delicious Pacific Northwest berries.
  • Local Crafts - Handmade crafts that reflect the unique northwest culture of Sumas are available in stores around the town.

Local Culture and Customs of Sumas

  • Sumas has a rich heritage of frontier settlers and logging. The dress code is casual, but it is always important to dress appropriately for hiking trails.
  • The motto “Guilt free zone” is known to depict Sumas as a welcoming town where people come to relax and enjoy the stunning views.

Best Time to Visit Sumas

  • Sumas summers have long days, warm weather where the average temperature is 80°F. This time is perfect for outdoor activities and enjoying the stunning local scenery.
  • Winter in Sumas is chilly, and the average temperature is around 28°F. It is the best time for winter sports enthusiasts to visit Mount Baker and enjoy skiing.

Do’s and Don’ts of Sumas

Do:

  • Take a hike or bike through the gorgeous Mount Baker National Forest.
  • Explore the downtown area and Pioneer Park.
  • Try the local brews and fresh berries.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter the natural attractions and hiking trails.
  • Don’t forget to pack comfortable shoes and clothes suitable for hiking and outdoor activities.
  • Don’t forget to explore outside the town; the North Cascades National Park is worth the extra miles.

Safety and Health

Safety in Sumas

  • Sumas is generally considered a safe town to visit, but visitors should take general safety precautions to keep themselves safe.
  • When hiking or biking on trails, visitors should take appropriate safety gear like helmets, sturdy boots, and hiker tracking devices.
  • Visitors should lock their cars while parking in public areas.
  • Do not attempt extreme off-trails biking, or hiking alone.

Health in Sumas

  • The nearest hospital from Sumas is in Bellingham. It is around 30 minutes from Sumas and has all health facilities available.

Getting to Sumas: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Sumas

  • Bellingham International Airport – only 30 minutes from Sumas.
  • Abbotsford International Airport - Approximately 12 miles from Sumas

Bus Stations Near Sumas

  • Greyhound Bus Service – Stops at the downtown Sumas bus station.

Other Options

  • Driving is the best option to get around in Sumas and nearby areas.

How to Get Around in Sumas

  • Visitors can rent cars or bikes to get around Sumas’s surrounding areas, including North Cascades National Park and Mount Baker.
  • Public transportation is also an option for those willing to rely mainly on buses.

Where to Go Next from Sumas: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Bellingham (Approx. 28 miles) - Visit this college town with historic bars, famous restaurants, and charming shops.
  • Mount Vernon (Approx. 39 miles) - A popular destination for tulip fields, this town is also popular for farm-to-table restaurants.
  • Vancouver (Approx. 55 miles) - This beautiful Canadian city with world-renowned urban parks, museums, and shopping is only an hour’s drive away.

Conclusion

Sumas, a charming small town in North Cascades, offers a lot to visitors, from historic museums, natural attractions, outdoor recreation opportunities to a gastronomic journey with its local food and drink scene. No matter what your preferences are, you will definitely find something to enjoy in Sumas, its neighboring areas, and beyond. So get ready to experience the beauty of Sumas and explore the North Cascades region.