The Subdued Saunter
A self-paced 20 mile adventure through Bellingham on October 4th, 2025 (beginning at9am-ish)
What:
A self-paced nearly 20 mile walk on October 4th, 2025 exploring Bellingham with Walk and Roll Bellingham and Holden Ringer, founder of the Seattle Super Saunter. It is totally free and you can join for 1 mile or all 20. Beginning at the downtown Bellingham transit center at around 9am, we will do a loop around Bellingham and then return to the beginning (see map below for the exact route). There is also an opportunity to finish after ~12 miles, where we will be passing within five blocks from the starting point. If you choose to join along the route, see below for expected times and locations.
The whole event will be about 8-9 hours with breaks along the way. The main group is expected to finish downtown between 5 and 6 pm. Afterwards, we have reserved the upstairs mezzanine at Brandywine Kitchen, at 1317 Commercial Street, starting at 6 pm, for a post Saunter celebration. Order food and drinks at the main counter and gather in the mezzanine.
Why:
Similar to the Seattle Super Saunter that took place on May 17th and the West Seattle Saunter on July 12th, and the Eastside Escapade on September 6th
1. To encourage folks to walk
Walking is an incredible way to build perspective concerning ourselves, and the world around us. Also great for your physical and mental well-being.
2. Build community
These adventures are also a great way to meet new people and share this experience with others. Gives folks an opportunity to connect with people over an extended period of time.
3. Appreciate the places we live in this case the wonderful city of Bellingham.
Walking is the most deliberate way to explore a place and what these long distance walks allow for is the ability for folks to see their own communities in a different light.
4. Fun!
Lastly and most importantly, it will be fun! Maybe not everyone's ideal version of fun is walking almost 20 miles, but think of it: You are walking a beautiful October Saturday with 50-100 other folks strolling along the waterfront, through downtown Bellingham, into some wonderful parks, and on some amazing trails. Finally, celebrating the accomplishment with a cold bevy and some warm food. I’m almost certain that you will see something new, meet someone new, and be impressed at how much you are able to walk. All are welcome and the event is totally free!!!
The Suggested Route
Click on the map to interact
I have marked transit stops along the map that would make it easy for folks to join along the way. If folks would like to view the transit map of Bellingham, they can find that here
Begin at Bellingham Transit center in downtown Bellingham at 9am(ish) and proceed from there. Folks will be able to join us at these stops later on in the day around these times. Also good opportunities to use the bathroom, get a snack, or say hi to someone new.
Break #1: Squalicum Creek Park, 10:00 to 10:15
Break #2: Barkley Village Gazebo 11:30 to 12:00
Break #3: Whatcom Falls main parking lot 1:00 to 1:15
Break #4: Nelson’s Market 2:15 to 2:30
Break #5: Fairhaven Green 4:00 to 4:30
Arrive back downtown ~5:30 pm
Brandywine Kitchen 6-8 pm for post Saunter celebration.
Who is helping to organize?
We are so thankful to have Walk and Roll Bellingham help organize the Subdued Saunter. Walk and Roll Bellingham is a wonderful organization trying to make it safer and easier for folks to walk, bike and roll around Bellingham.
Not coincidentally the Subdued Saunter corresponds with the second to last day of the Week Without Driving which is a yearly nationwide event to try and get folks (especially elected officials) to try to go a whole week without driving.
Special shoutout to Thain Maurer, board member at Walk and Roll Bellingham, for doing so much leg work (pun intended) for this event. He helped fine tune the route and has done a great job of helping to get the word out in Bellingham.
Things to Bring:
Backpack
Water
Snacks
Sunscreen
Hat
Battery pack (probably will not need)
Rain Jacket and change of socks (if the weather is looking to be wet)