Painting Company in Ferndale, WA

About Ferndale

Ferndale, Washington, is a small but fast-growing city in Whatcom County, located just north of Bellingham along the Nooksack River. Its history stretches back to the mid-1800s, when settlers were drawn to the region’s fertile farmland and timber resources. The area was originally inhabited by the Coast Salish peoples, particularly the Lummi Nation, who lived along the river and bay long before European settlement. Around 1872, the first non-Indigenous settlers arrived, and the community was initially known as Jam due to the frequent logjams that formed on the river. The name “Ferndale” was later chosen by the town’s first schoolteacher, Alice Eldridge, inspired by the lush ferns surrounding the early schoolhouse. By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Ferndale had become an agricultural hub, with dairy farming, logging, and small mills driving the local economy. The construction of bridges and rail lines helped the town grow, connecting it more closely to Bellingham and the broader Puget Sound region. After incorporating in 1907, Ferndale developed into a close-knit rural community known for its strong farming roots and small-town character. In more recent decades, the city has experienced significant residential and commercial growth, with many families and businesses drawn to its affordable land and proximity to major employers like the BP Cherry Point Refinery and the Port of Bellingham industrial area. Despite modernization, Ferndale retains its historic charm through landmarks like Pioneer Park — home to preserved pioneer log cabins — and community events that celebrate its heritage. Today, Ferndale is a blend of old and new, balancing rural traditions with rapid development, and continues to serve as a welcoming gateway to the natural beauty of Whatcom County and the Pacific Northwest.