Chuckanut Drive

A premier byway sometimes referred to as Washington’s Big Sur (perhaps Little Sur would be more fitting), the 24-mile curvy route hugs the sheer sandstone cliffs of the Chuckanut Mountains. The only place where the Cascade Mountains meet the sea, Chuckanut Drive overlooks Samish Bay and offers gorgeous views of the San Juan Islands and Chuckanut Bay.

Stroll through tulip fields in spring or find a cozy restaurant and feast on fresh shellfish. Search for treasures in shops or for beach glass along the water. Take a hike up past the tree line, or down along a white-sand beach. Chuckanut Drive is one of those byways that will leave you wanting to linger just a little longer.

CLICK TO EXPLORE ON MAP to find more things to do, places to stay and eat along this route.

1. Bellingham

90-minutes north of Seattle, you will find yourself in the northwest corner of Washington State. Known for its unique and local museums, shops, galleries, breweries and restaurants, Bellingham is a must-see town when visiting the West Coast. 

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2. Historic Fairhaven

Founded in the 1890s, the Fairhaven district provides a great opportunity to stop and browse. Walk the cobblestone streets of the historic district, with restored nineteenth-century brick buildings now housing bookstores, boutiques and restaurants, and go back to a time when Fairhaven was predicted to become a major city.

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3. Woodstock Farm

Woodstock Farm is a one-of-a-kind Pacific Northwest venue, beautifully situated with panoramic views of Chuckanut Bay. Woodstock Farm is available for rent for your special event including weddings, family reunions, retreats and memorials. Park access is from dawn to dusk.  Buildings at Woodstock Farm are available for viewing by appointment only.

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4. North Chuckanut Trail System

A short run, bike or drive south of Bellingham will take you to a labyrinth of foot, bike, and horse trails in the Chuckanut Mountains. Trails access old growth forests, lakes, streams, waterfalls, and have great views of Mount Baker, Bellingham Bay, the San Juan Islands, and the Olympic Peninsula. 

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5. Larrabee State Park

Set on the seaward side of Chuckanut Mountain near Bellingham, Larrabee State Park is known for its postcard views of Samish Bay and the San Juan Islands. It is also Washington’s first state park.This unique camping park on famed Chuckanut Drive offers access to great hiking, boating, fishing, shellfish harvesting and diving. A ¾-mile hike takes you to the rare sandstone cliffs and teeming tidepools of Clayton Beach. This is the perfect spot for a quiet time out, an exploratory jaunt with the kids or a romantic date.

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6. Taylor Shellfish Farms

Visit an oyster farm owned by the same family for 100 years. Enjoy the scenic trip along Chuckanut Drive to our Samish Bay Farm and Shellfish Market. Order a tray of oysters and let our friendly staff teach you how to shuck, or have the pros do it for you.  Enjoy some local beer or wine available for purchase while barbequing up some of your favorite shellfish, or choose from our local seasonal options.  Pick up a variety of oysters, Manila clams, or Mediterranean mussels, along with a selection of fresh local fish, Dungeness Crab, and scallops ready for the grill.  Feast at our waterfront picnic area or take your treats to go. 

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7. Bow

Bow is an unincorporated community in Skagit County, Washington. It is located near the towns of Bay View, Edison, Burlington, and Mount Vernon. This tiny hamlet is home to a fantastic bakery and art galleries, along with under-the-radar gourmet restaurants.

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