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About Ferndale
Located in the northwest corner of Washington State near the Nooksack River, Ferndale was officially incorporated on March 19, 1907. Once called Jam because of its location next to a logjam on the river, the city was renamed Ferndale by the schoolteacher who admired ferns that once grew around the original schoolhouse.
Today, Ferndale is a vibrant community of 16,330 people located on the Interstate 5 corridor, approximately 6 miles north of Bellingham and 13 miles south of the Canadian Border. There are many nearby attractions, including Mount Baker, the San Juan Islands, numerous lakes, and the Nooksack River. Ferndale also enjoys a close proximity to Vancouver, British Columbia.
The best way to experience Ferndale is to visit. Explore our historic Pioneer Village, dine in our downtown, or take a scenic walk down our Riverwalk Park. For more trip ideas, email Communications and Community Relations Officer Megan Juenemann.
Looking for resources in the City of Ferndale and / or surrounding areas? The Whatcom Resource Information Cooperative (WRIC) has created an easy access portal to local support services for community members through a dependable and up-to-date searchable database of resources, organizations, and agencies. Access the Whatcom Resources online portal.
City of Ferndale Wayfinding Program
The City Council has identified wayfinding, as well as a number of projects related to wayfinding, as one of the City’s highest priorities over the last several years. According to the International Downtown Association, wayfinding has been identified as one of its 10 economic initiatives for America's downtowns. Benefits of a community wayfinding program include enhancing both visitor and local experience.
Visitor Experience:
- Provides visitors a seamless journey and experience. Builds trust.
- A positive image of the city that is organized and welcoming.
- Consolidates information into fewer, well-placed signs, reducing visual clutter.
- Provides a larger coverage radius to promote the depth of destinations (repeat visits and relocation).
- Secondary destinations see the greatest benefit.
Local Experience:
- Highlights events, encouraging participation and boosting local economy.
- Directs traffic to shopping districts, potentially increasing foot traffic and sales.
- Showcases important historical and cultural sites, fostering a sense of community and pride.
- Attractive signage can contribute to the city's visual appeal and identity.
- Park Once Philosophy: promote pedestrian connections.
The City has partnered with MERJE Design, a widely recognized national leader in wayfinding design and philosophy, to improve Ferndale's wayfinding system, with particular emphasis on the Downtown core, the Centennial Riverwalk, and gateways leading into the City. The City has received a grant of up to $100,000 from Washington State and an additional $25,000 from the Port of Bellingham. Phase 1 of the overall wayfinding program is scheduled to be installed in July/August 2025.