This Larrabee State Park family guide has everything you need for a memorable day in nature near Bellingham. With postcard views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains, beaches to comb, and trails to explore, it’s no wonder that this magical piece of land was set aside as Washington’s very first state park. Read on for tips to make the most of your trip to Larrabee State Park.
Historic entrance to Larrabee State Park. (Image: Allison Peterson)
Getting to Larrabee State Park
Larrabee State Park is located near Bellingham, less than a 2-hour drive north of Seattle. If you’re not in a rush, allow extra time to drive the length of historic Chuckanut Drive (From I-5, take exit 231 for WA-11 near Burlington) directly to Larrabee State Park (Note: Road closures are possible on Chuckanut Drive, so check driving directions ahead of time to make sure the route is open). This scenic byway curves along Samish Bay for 24 miles, hugging sandstone rock faces and offering ample “wow factor” views and road pull-outs for unique photo ops.
For a more efficient route, stay on I-5 to Bellingham’s Lake Samish exit (exit 246) and backtrack about 10 minutes to the park entrance along Chuckanut Drive.
Roadside viewpoint along Chuckanut Drive. (Image: Allison Peterson)
What to Do at Larrabee State Park
In this Larrabee State Park family guide, we’ll show you how to access the beach, find tidepools, and plan your day with ease.
There are two main day-use parking areas at the park, and a Discover Pass is required for parking. A modern playground, meadows, picnic tables, and public restrooms are a short distance below the larger parking area. A large stage and amphitheater invite kids to create their own impromptu performances before continuing down to the beach.
The train underpass tunnel to the beach at Larrabee State Park. (Image: Allison Peterson)
Beach Access and Tidepool Exploration
The beach access trail is located just to the left of the stage. Walk through the short mural-festooned tunnel under the train tracks, then continue about 0.1 miles down the dirt trail to the beach (Strollers or wagons are not advisable). Bring sturdy shoes or boots with good traction so kids can explore the shore’s rocky tidepools where treasures such as sea stars, crabs, anemones, and whelks can be found–just be mindful of slippery surfaces and sharp barnacles below.
Sea stars in a tidepool at Larrabee State Park. (Image: Allison Peterson)
Watersports, Sand Play, and Wildlife Watching
Watersports are a popular activity at Larrabee State Park. Bring along your inflatable paddle boards or kayaks for a water-top view. If your kids want to get their toes wet, bring along water shoes so they can safely wade in the water. Keep in mind that this quiet cove tends to accumulate large quantities of seaweed, so swimming may not be advisable. If you time it just right, you may even be able to spot nature’s aqua firework show in the form of bioluminescence in the waters of Larrabee State Park.
Lower beach access. Swim in the water, but beware of grass and seaweed. (Image: Allison Peterson)
If you prefer to stay on dry ground, there is still plenty to do at the beach. Bring a shovel and pail (or simply find materials on the beach!) to dig and build in the narrow sandy section toward the back of the beach. Kids will enjoy climbing along (or up!) the sandstone faces surrounding the cove. While you’re exploring, keep your eye out for wildlife on land and sea–a variety of birds, deer, and seals make these shores home.
Sandstone coves are ready fro exploring. (Image: Allison Peterson)
A second, smaller beach is located near the beach’s boat launch. From Chuckanut Drive, take a left on Cove Rd. and follow the signs to the boat launch once you cross the train tracks. There is a small parking lot at this second beach (Discover Pass required) and a small vault toilet. From the boat launch parking lot, you have direct access to the beach, making this an excellent alternative for those with accessibility needs who want to be able to reach the water easily.
Old growth forests are one of many terrains on the hiking trails at Larrabee State Park. (Image: Allison Peterson)
Family Friendly Hiking Trails
Add on to your day of exploring at Larrabee State Park with a family-friendly hike. Boasting over 18 miles of trails that include wow factors such as scenic overlooks, lakes, beaches, and old-growth forests, there is a hike for everyone. A popular family hike is the 4-mile round-trip trek to Fragrance Lake. The trail begins with a steady uphill stretch, but hikers are soon rewarded with beautiful views and a pristine lake with its own 0.6-mile trail circumnavigating the shores.
Camp our at Larrabee State Park-bring your own tent or reserve your own RV site (Image: Allison Peterson)
Camping at Larabee State Park
For those wishing to extend their stay beyond the day, Larrabee State Park offers a full campground with standard tent sites, utility sites for RVs, group campsites, and primitive campsites. Camping reservations fill up quickly, so reserve your spot well in advance. Note: The campground is located near an operating train track, and there is significant noise produced by the trains that pass by throughout the day and night. Bring earplugs if you are sensitive to noise.
Love shellfish? Taylor Shellfish will bring you the freshest catch. (Image: Allison Peterson)
Where to Eat Nearby
After exploring Larrabee State Park, consider getting a bite to eat on your drive home at one of the restaurants along Chuckanut Drive. Taylor Shellfish offers shellfish fresh from the sea and a rotating daily menu of prepared foods and drinks that you can enjoy from a beachside table. If you take I-5 home instead of Chuckanut Drive, swing by the Colophon Cafe in Bellingham’s Fairhaven district for a bite to eat on your way out of town–make sure to save room for their scrumptious peanut butter pie!
Use this Larrabee State Park family guide to help your crew make the most of your visit to one of Washington’s most scenic and family-friendly parks.
