Larrabee State Park Bellingham Washington
Washington's first state park, Larrabee offers serene beaches, lush forests, and miles of trails with stunning bay views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, more tranquility
Larrabee State Park Bellingham Washington
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more tranquility
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Washington's first state park, Larrabee offers serene beaches, lush forests, and miles of trails with stunning bay views.
"Breathtaking views, peaceful trails, and the perfect mix of forest and beach. Every step feels like a reset for the mind."
🚗 Discover Pass Needed
A Discover Pass is required for parking. Grab one online or at a local vendor before you arrive. :ticket:
🥾 Trail Variety
Trails range from easy strolls to challenging hikes. Wear sturdy shoes for exploring. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Samish Bay Beach
Chuckanut Drive
Relax by the water, skip rocks, or enjoy stunning views of the San Juan Islands. Perfect for a peaceful moment.
Hiking Trails
Various trailheads
Explore miles of trails, from easy family walks to challenging routes with rewarding views. Discover hidden coves and lush forests.
Freshwater Lakes
Lost Lake & Frazer Lake
Enjoy the tranquility of two beautiful freshwater lakes, offering a different kind of natural beauty within the park.
Camping Experience
Campgrounds
Shaded, private campsites offer a serene escape. Enjoy clean facilities and proximity to both beach and trails.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Access & Timing
Park Essentials
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Discover Pass Needed
A Discover Pass is required for parking. Grab one online or at a local vendor before you arrive. :ticket:
🥾 Trail Variety
Trails range from easy strolls to challenging hikes. Wear sturdy shoes for exploring. :athletic_shoe:
🌊 Beachcombing Fun
The beach is great for skipping rocks and enjoying the water. Keep an eye out for marine life. :ocean:
🏕️ Campsite Privacy
Campsites are well-shaded and offer good privacy. Book in advance, especially for weekends. :tent:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Discover Pass Needed
A Discover Pass is required for parking. Grab one online or at a local vendor before you arrive. :ticket:
🥾 Trail Variety
Trails range from easy strolls to challenging hikes. Wear sturdy shoes for exploring. :athletic_shoe:
🌊 Beachcombing Fun
The beach is great for skipping rocks and enjoying the water. Keep an eye out for marine life. :ocean:
🏕️ Campsite Privacy
Campsites are well-shaded and offer good privacy. Book in advance, especially for weekends. :tent:
🚂 Train Noise Awareness
Trains do pass through occasionally, which can be noisy. Locals are used to it, but be aware. :train2:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Larrabee State Park's stunning natural beauty, offering a perfect blend of forest and beach. The park is praised for its well-maintained facilities, including clean restrooms and private campsites, making it ideal for relaxation and outdoor adventure. Its proximity to Bellingham adds convenience without sacrificing the peaceful, secluded atmosphere.
"Larrabee State Park is one of those places you’ll want to come back to again and again. It’s Washington’s first state park, and it really has something for everyone—whether you’re looking to relax, explore, or camp.
The park is very well maintained. Restrooms are clean, and there are showers available for campers, which is a huge plus if you’re staying multiple nights. Campsites are shaded by tall evergreens, and many offer privacy.
Conveniently located just outside of Bellingham, the park is close enough to town that you can easily grab forgotten supplies, yet once you’re in the park you don’t hear the highway at all. It’s quiet, peaceful, and feels completely tucked away in nature.
Larrabee is known for its beach access—great skipping rocks, or simply relaxing by the water. The hiking trails range from easy family-friendly walks to more challenging routes, with views that are well worth the effort. Kids will especially enjoy the shaded areas and open spaces to play.
The park is surrounded by trees, which provide plenty of shade and a sense of seclusion. It’s an excellent place for families, groups, or even solo travelers looking for a peaceful getaway in nature.
Between the clean facilities, great hiking, beach access, and proximity to Bellingham, this park offers the perfect balance of convenience and outdoor adventure. We will definitely be returning, and I’d highly recommend it to anyone looking to explore the beauty of the Pacific Northwest."
Misha Smith
"Breathtaking views, peaceful trails, and the perfect mix of forest and beach. Every step feels like a reset for the mind. The sound of the waves, the fresh air, and the beauty all around made this a truly unforgettable day. Highly recommend for anyone who loves nature, calm moments, and stunning scenery. Can’t wait to go back!"
Md Borkot Ali Khan Shimul
"Larrabee is such a beautiful accessible park, beach, and boat launch with great views of the San Juan Islands. Wildcat Cove to Dot Island is a nice kayak trip along the sandstone shore with herons and seals to add to the enjoyment."
Krista Gordon
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Yes, Larrabee State Park is accessible from Bellingham via Chuckanut Drive. While there have been closures further north on Chuckanut Drive, access from Bellingham remains open.
From Bellingham, take Chuckanut Drive (Highway 11) south. The park entrance will be on your right. Follow signs for parking and trailheads.
Yes, there is ample parking available throughout the park, including areas near the beach and trailheads. A Discover Pass is required for parking.
Yes, you can use GPS. Search for 'Larrabee State Park, Bellingham, WA'. Be aware that cell service can be spotty in some areas. :iphone:
From Seattle, take I-5 North towards Bellingham. Take Exit 231 for WA-11 N/Chuckanut Drive. Follow Chuckanut Drive south for several miles, and the park will be on your left.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, a Discover Pass is required for day-use parking at Larrabee State Park. You can purchase a day pass or an annual pass.
Discover Passes can be purchased online through the Washington State Parks website, or at various retail locations, including some sporting goods stores and local businesses.
Larrabee State Park is open year-round from dawn to dusk. Camping facilities have specific check-in and check-out times.
Yes, campsites can be reserved in advance through the Washington State Parks reservation system. It's highly recommended to book early, especially for summer weekends.
No, the Discover Pass covers the day-use entry fee. There are no additional entrance fees for general access to the park.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy hiking, beachcombing, picnicking, camping, kayaking, birdwatching, and photography. The park offers a diverse range of outdoor recreation.
Yes, Larrabee State Park has clean restrooms. Showers are also available for campers, which is a significant plus for overnight stays.
Absolutely! There are playgrounds, open spaces for kids to play, and easy walking trails. The beach is also a hit with children for rock skipping and exploring.
Yes, Larrabee State Park has a boat launch and beach access suitable for kayaking and paddleboarding. Wildcat Cove to Dot Island is a popular kayak route.
You might spot herons, seals, and various seabirds along the coast. The forested areas are home to diverse bird species.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
No, there are no restaurants located directly within Larrabee State Park. You'll need to bring your own food for picnics or dine in Bellingham. :knifeforkplate:
There are several good picnic areas, some with tables and grills, located near the beach and playgrounds. Enjoying a meal with a view is highly recommended.
Campfires are generally permitted in designated fire rings at campsites, but always check current fire restrictions with the park service before lighting one. :fire:
Yes, Bellingham is conveniently close and offers numerous grocery stores and markets where you can purchase supplies for your visit. :shopping_cart:
Bellingham has a wide variety of dining options, from casual cafes and breweries to upscale restaurants, catering to all tastes and budgets. :hamburger:
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour, during sunrise and sunset, offers the most dramatic lighting for beach and landscape photography. Weekday mornings provide fewer distractions. :camerawithflash:
The beaches along Samish Bay, the views of the San Juan Islands, the lush forest trails, and the sandstone shorelines are all highly photogenic. :camerawithflash:
Drone usage is typically restricted in Washington State Parks to protect wildlife and ensure visitor safety. Always check the latest park regulations regarding drones. :drone:
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, while a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife. A sturdy tripod is helpful for low-light conditions. :camera:
The beaches facing west offer excellent sunset views. Find a comfortable spot on the sand or a rocky outcrop for the best vantage point. :city_sunset:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Many of the hiking trails are family-friendly, with easy, relatively flat sections suitable for little legs. The clean restrooms and available showers for campers add to the convenience for families. Packing a picnic to enjoy at one of the designated picnic areas is a great way to make a day of it.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Nature Lovers
Spend your days exploring the numerous hiking trails, breathing in the fresh Pacific Northwest air, and enjoying the stunning views. The quiet beaches provide a serene spot to read, meditate, or simply observe the natural world. Camping here offers a chance to disconnect and reconnect with yourself amidst nature's embrace.
🚗 Day-Trippers
Remember to purchase your Discover Pass in advance to avoid any delays upon arrival. Pack snacks and water, as amenities within the park are limited. The park's accessibility and variety of short activities make it perfect for a spontaneous outing.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Larrabee's Trails
For a more challenging hike with rewarding vistas, consider the trails leading up to Oyster Dome. While the Oyster Dome trailhead itself is north of the main park area and may be affected by road closures, other trails within Larrabee offer significant elevation gain and stunning views. These routes often wind through dense evergreen forests, opening up to panoramic overlooks of Samish Bay and the surrounding islands. Remember to wear appropriate footwear and carry water, as some ascents can be strenuous.
Many trails connect, allowing for longer loops or shorter excursions. Pay attention to trail markers and consider downloading an offline map of the park's trail system, as cell service can be unreliable in certain areas. The diverse terrain ensures that every hike offers a unique perspective of Larrabee's natural beauty.
Camping at Larrabee State Park
Campers consistently praise the cleanliness of the facilities, including restrooms and showers, which are a significant amenity for longer stays. The proximity to both the beach and hiking trails is a major draw, allowing for easy access to various activities right from your campsite. Imagine waking up to the scent of pine and the sound of waves, then heading out for a morning hike or a stroll along the shore.
It's important to note that Larrabee is a popular destination, and campsites can fill up quickly, especially during peak season. Booking your campsite well in advance through the Washington State Parks reservation system is highly recommended. Be aware that trains do pass through the area periodically, which can create noise, but many visitors find it a minor inconvenience compared to the overall positive camping experience.
Beach Access and Water Activities
For those who enjoy being on the water, Larrabee is a fantastic spot for kayaking and paddleboarding. The park features a boat launch, and the waters of Samish Bay are generally calm, making it suitable for exploring the sandstone shorelines. A popular kayak trip mentioned by visitors is from Wildcat Cove to Dot Island, where you might encounter local wildlife like herons and seals.
While the park is known for its beach access, it's important to be mindful of tides and weather conditions. Always check local forecasts before heading out on the water. The combination of accessible beaches and opportunities for water sports makes Larrabee a well-rounded destination for coastal enjoyment.
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