Trail Running in Bellingham: Strength + Scenery on the South Bay TrailFeaturing the .6-Mile Taylor Hill Climb + Stairs

🏃‍♂️ Trail Running in Bellingham: Strength + Scenery on the South Bay Trail

Featuring the .6-Mile Taylor Hill Climb + Stairs

By Jaime Hernandez, Health and Exercise Prescriptions

Summer/Fall running on the South Bay Trail – perfect for body and mind.

Summer and Fall in Bellingham is magic. The air is crisp, the leaves are glowing in gold and orange, and the South Bay Trail is calling. 🍂 If you’re looking for a scenic run that blends endurance and strength training, this local favorite will challenge your cardio and fire up your glutes—all in under an hour.

🗺️ Route Overview

Start: Depot Market Square (Home of Bellingham’s Farmers Market)End Point: Top of Taylor Hill + BackRoundtrip Distance: ~4 milesIntensity: Moderate to IntenseFocus: Glutes, calves, heart, and lungs

🏁 The Journey

1. Warm-Up Jog:Begin at Depot Market Square, then hop on the South Bay Trail. You’ll pass the Honeymoon Cider House, and then ease into a mostly flat (and slightly downhill) mile.

2. Trail Transitions:Run through the alley toward the trailhead. If you see North state street, you’re on track! The trail is well-groomed and protected from the wind—a great place to get into your rhythm.

3. Boulevard Park to Taylor Dock: Cruise through Boulevard Park toward Fairhaven. Expect a breezy chill across Taylor Dock—nature’s way of cooling you down before the big climb.

4. Taylor Hill + Stair Sprint 🥵This is where the strength kicks in! It's a .6-mile hill climb, followed by a stair descent, and then back up and over. Expect your glutes and calves to ignite. Your heart rate will rise into peak cardio zone—perfect for metabolic conditioning.

Taylor Hill stairs – where the burn builds strength.

5. The Return Grind: Heading back along the South Bay Trail, the incline is steady—not steep, but deceptive. Your legs will feel it. Push through! 💪

💡 Pro Tips for the Run

• Gear Up: Wear trail shoes with solid grip.

• Hydration: Sip electrolytes before and after (check my recommended options below).

• Post-Run Recovery: Stretch + refuel with digestive enzymes and recovery support.

🧠 Run Stronger, Recover Smarter

If you’re training for longer distances or just want to protect your joints and improve digestion and recovery, I’ve curated top-tier supplements that I trust with my own training.

🛒 Check out my supplement store:👉 Health & Exercise Prescriptions Thorne Store

🔗 More training tips + health tools:👉 www.healthandexerciseprescriptions.com

❤️ Let’s Keep You Moving Pain-Free

Pain during or after running is a signal—don’t ignore it. Whether it’s tight hips, knee pain, or fatigue, I offer personalized assessments and plans to help you move pain-free and perform at your best. Let’s get you back on track.

📩 Book a consultation at👉 www.healthandexerciseprescriptions.com

👋 Thanks for running with me!

Every trail is a chance to grow stronger—inside and out. Make Taylor Hill part of your weekly mix and you’ll feel the difference in both your strength and stamina.

Thanks for your time and energy...Be well.

See you out there,– Jaime Hernandez Health and Exercise Prescriptions