Laninga's Travel Blog

In 1883, Hans Berthusen immigrated with his family from Norway and settled in Whatcom County. He homesteaded some 180 acres of dense brush and trees, and eventually added another 80 acres. The wood was very valuable, but he set aside 20 acres so future generations could see what the area looked like before it was settles. Today, some of those larger trees are worth we’ll over $50,000 in wood alone. So it is hard to find native forests anywhere.

After his death in 1944 at his request the property was bestowed to the city of Lynden contingent that the property be set aside as a park. And it now is a park with some of his original buildings and structures for all to see. And enjoy the old growth forest.

It has an extensive network of trails, so much so that you can get lost. However, no harm done, it is surrounded by agricultural land so eventually you’ll find the way out. And enjoy the old growth as you wander around.

We just missed an antique tractor and equipment show last weekend on an adjacent site, but we’re able to see some of the equipment still there. Lots of old things, and one particularly nicely restored Farmall tractor, right down to some very fancy wheels.