Lake Padden Golf Course

Lake Padden Golf Course – Bellingham’s Forest-Framed Public Gem

Just five minutes south of downtown Bellingham, Lake Padden Golf Course hides in plain sight among towering cedars and firs. Built on rolling parkland above its namesake lake, this municipal 18-holer pairs classic Northwest scenery with a layout that’s both welcoming to newcomers ​_and_ sneaky-tough for single-digit golfers. It’s run by Premier Golf Centers, so conditions stay dialed-in even through the drippy months.

Quick Stats

Pro tip: the club says the track “plays 5-10 % longer” than the card because of uphill approaches and heavy air.

What Makes It Fun

• Evergreen isolation – Several holes are tucked so deep in the woods you’ll feel like you’ve got a private course to yourself. 

• Shot variety – Doglegs, elevation changes, and a handful of risk-reward par 5s force you to use most of the bag. 

• Walkable value – 2025 in-season green fees top out at $46 for 18 (juniors just $23), keeping Lake Padden one of the best muni bargains in the Northwest. 

• Modern app support – Free GPS, live scoring, and on-hole tips through the Lake Padden mobile app. 

Front-Nine Highlights

• Hole 1 – 424 yd par 4

  Opens with a downhill drive framed by pines; a fairway bunker left squeezes the landing zone.

• Hole 3 – 383 yd par 4

  Gentle dogleg right; favor a cut to get a clear angle into a back-to-front sloping green.

• Hole 5 – 502 yd par 5

  First real scoring chance: reachable for big hitters if you hug the left side and avoid a front bunker.

• Hole 7 – 509 yd par 5

  Plays uphill and usually into a breeze—three solid shots still leave a testy tiered green.

Back-Nine Highlights

• Hole 11 – 144 yd par 3

  Short on the card, but the green is ringed by bunkers and a “no-play-zone” penalty area through the middle. 

• Hole 14 – 321 yd par 4

  Drivable for many, yet trees pinch the fairway and a narrow green makes up-and-downs tricky.

• Hole 16 – 190 yd par 3

  Elevated tee over a gulley; swirling winds make club selection dicey.

• Hole 18 – 390 yd par 4

  A sturdy closer back toward Samish Way—creek left, trees right, and a quick, two-tiered green in front of the clubhouse.

Practice & Amenities

• Full-length driving range and a massive putting green sit steps from the first tee.

• Coyote Bar & Grill turns out post-round burgers, tacos, and Northwest brews—just what you need after 6,500 yards of tree-lined shot-making. 

• Multiple member clubs (men’s, women’s, seniors) plus Live Music Fridays keep the vibe lively even if you’re only in it for the patio. 

Final Take

Lake Padden isn’t flashy—it’s pure Pacific Northwest golf: towering evergreens, crunchy fir needles underfoot, and greens that roll faster than they look. Add wallet-friendly rates and friendly staff, and you’ve got a muni that punches well above its price tag. Whether you’re a Bellingham local or road-tripping the I-5 corridor, carve out four hours for this forest-framed round.

This course is one of many featured in the Washington Golf Directory. Your guide to Washington State public golf courses, local driving ranges, and weekend-worthy golf getaways. Whether you’re playing nine before work or planning a road trip across the state, we’re here to help you explore more golf, one course at a time.