Our Community
Ferndale, Washington, a small town in Whatcom County , radiates friendliness and charm, and has earned a reputation as a fine place to raise a family. Situated in the far northwestern corner of the state, Ferndale lies only six miles north of the thriving deep-port city of Bellingham and thirteen miles south of the Canadian Border.
The 2000 Census registered Ferndale's population at just under 9,000. Ferndale residents enjoy all the luxurious natural beauty of Whatcom County, which stretches from Puget Sound to the Cascade National Forest. About fifty miles to the east of Ferndale looms the awesome ice-volcano Mount Baker, where Washington State's finest ski resort awaits. Only minutes from the water, Ferndale residents can go whale watching, sea kayaking, or take tours to nearby Vancouver and San Juan Islands. The powerful Nooksack River winds throughout the area, providing excellent salmon and trout fishing, along with challenging river rafting through stunning gorges. Many shimmering lakes and waterfalls grace the region, and hiking and biking trails abound.
The town of Ferndale itself contains thirteen city parks . A very family-oriented community, many playing fields exist for the children. The planned Tosco Sports Complex , funded by local business grants and donations, will be a huge area devoted to sports. Four softball fields, soccer fields, and nature trails for jogging are under construction.
The historic Pioneer Park delights children and adults. Housed in eleven log cabins dating more than one hundred years old, this park was painstakingly erected by moving cabins found deteriorating in the outlying wilderness, and reconstructing them in Ferndale. Each cabin is a museum displaying different artifacts of Whatcom County's rugged past, and exhibits the hardships that the original settlers endured.
Agriculture remains an important industry in Ferndale, and the area's many surrounding farms provide residents with the freshest and finest produce available. For a taste of yesterday, the Hovander Homestead Park is a working historic farm untouched by modern amenities. Along with agriculture, Ferndale houses some of the county's largest employers, with two oil refineries and the Alcoa Intalco Aluminum Works.
Children are valued as Ferndale's finest resource, and education for them is a top priority. Five Ferndale schools received National Awards of Excellence. The U.S. Dept. of Education honored the town's Native American education program giving them national recognition. Ferndale is one of only ten school districts in Washington to be named as a Level l partner with the Boeing Company . Three outstanding universities and colleges provide higher education for students in nearby Bellingham.
Ferndale, Washington, surrounded by natural beauty, remains a small town with strong family values. The area's firm economy and commitment to future growth make Ferndale a fine spot to relocate a business or raise a family.

