Deming Homestead Eagle Park

Entrance to the Deming Homestead Eagle Park.

Wayne read in the local paper about Bald Eagles congregating to feed along the Nooksack River not too far from Bellingham. We decided to take an afternoon drive to see if we could find some.

During our search up and down the river, we stopped at the Deming Homestead Eagle Park. This little park is a hidden gem right on the North Fork of the Nooksack River. As the name implies, the land was donated by a local farming family.

Giving the river the ol' eagle eye for a tasty meal.

It's well maintained with gravel trails, a wooden bridge, grassy areas, lots of trees, benches, and picnic tables. From November through February, Bald Eagles come here to feed on the chum salmon that swim up the adjacent Nooksack River to spawn.

We were there just in time to see a few Bald Eagles, a Great Blue Heron, a small flock of Mallards, and an American Dipper working the floating wood debris for a meal.

An eagle takes flight.

Since eagles come here seasonally, we were surprised to find two nests up in the bare branches of two tall trees and an eagle sitting nearby.

Eagle nests high in the branches.

High water lapping at the edge of the park trail.

The day was overcast, but signs of spring were already evident with buds already showing on the willows along the riverbank. Willow catkins (small dense flowers) bloom early in spring, well before other flowering plants. Early opening gives them an advantage for pollination by nectar hungry insects.

You can see piles of stumps and logs floating in the water and lodged on the gravel bars along the meandering river channel. The gravel beneath is where the salmon spawn and lay their eggs. The jumbled wood piles provide protection for the eggs and developing fry. On this visit, the water level was quite high.

Strolling along the park trail.

To get to the Deming Homestead Eagle Park from Bellingham, exit Interstate 5 on Sunset Drive and head east. Sunset turns into the Mount Baker Highway that follows the Nooksack River into the highlands. Close to mile 15 you will find Truck Road (on the right).

It's easy to find because signage along the road is excellent. Go about half a mile on Truck Road and you will find the park on the right.

For more information about this driving tour, check out Insiders' Guide Bellingham and Mount Baker by Michael McQuaide. -- Margy