Chuckanut Drive

Hugging the cliffs over Chuckanut and Samish Bay, this drive is sometimes referred to as Washington’s Big Sur. It is one of those short, not-to-be-missed scenic drives if you’re in the area. We recommend taking it at least one way instead of I-5 if you're heading towards Bellingham or British Columbia — or from there towards Seattle.

The stunning Chuckanut Drive

This scenic drive is accessible from either direction, below we describe it from Burlington towards Bellingham. To start from Burlington via I-5, take exit 231 for WA-11. To start the drive from Bellingham, take exit 250 from I-5, and follow the signs for WA-11.

The drive begins in Skagit County where most of the land is near sea-level. Enjoy expansive views of the agricultural Skagit Valley. Keep an eye out for farms offering fresh produce, cheese, and meats along the way. Skagit Valley is also popular for its craft breweries. Savor the region along the Skagit Farm to Pint Passport Tour. Make it an overnight or weekend adventure.

On the way, consider a side trip to the Bow-Edison area, where you can savor the flavors of the region, with farms and shops offering fruit, vegetables, oysters, and more. The town of Bow (F4) is tiny, and boasts a few eateries and farms. The Bow Hill Blueberry Farm is open year-round and you can pick your own blueberries between August through October depending on the season. In Edison (F5), stroll along the main street to visit art galleries, antique shops, bakery, and restaurants that feature local produce. If time allows, drive to Samish Island for views and beaches along Samish and Padilla Bays.

Back on WA 11, as you approach the Colony Creek Bridge (B1), you will begin gaining elevation. The surrounding Chuckanut Mountains are part of the Cascade Mountains and are the only members of the Cascades that touch the sea. This area has several fossils of prehistoric life.

Oyster-lovers won't want to miss a visit to Taylor Shellfish Farms (F3). A steep, narrow road leads to the farm (Note this road is not recommended for large vehicles, or for pulling a trailer). Stunning views of Samish Bay and islands await, and you can see the oyster beds in the water. Dine alfresco, where you can purchase and shuck fresh oysters yourself, or have them shucked and served along with other seafood delicacies such as mussels, clams, Dungeness crab. Also makes a great stop to pick up goodies to go. Note weekends are busy and parking space is limited.

The remaining drive winds along a tight, two lane, cliff hanger road that provides stellar views of the San Juan Islands and the bays. Take your time and stop at the small viewpoint parking areas. Even on rainy northwest days, beautiful sunsets can be seen over the San Juan’s from here. Please pay attention to the road and mind your speed; there are many bicyclists, motorcycles, and overlooks with merging traffic onthis very narrow road.

Larrabee State Park (W1), Washington’s first State Park, offers both beach, tidepools, cool rock formations, as well as lush forest with old-growth trees. The park is divided by Chuckanut Drive with a parking lot both on the left and on the right side of the road. Both offer access to the park. If you're heading to the beach of Samish Bay and want to avoid having to cross the road, we recommend parking on the westside. On the east side is access to forest, and Fragrance Lake Trail, a 6-mile round trip hike to the namesake Fragrance Lake. The hike is moderate and travels amid some spectacular old-growth trees and the typical PNW forest of ferns, moss, and mushrooms. There is a day use fee, or use your Discover Pass which is valid for all WA State Parks for1-year. The park also features camping.

The winter can be gray for weeks on end, but a drive up to Cleator Road, is usually above the cloud line. To get to Cleator road, turn left on Hiline Road and follow the gravel road to the top. From here, there are great views of the San Juan Islands and Puget Sound and several hiking trails.

This area once boasted an electric train called the Interurban. It closed in 1929, and currently the route is now the Interurban Trail (H1), a favorite with walkers and bikers and runs about 5-miles from Larrabee State Park to Old Fairhaven Parkway.

Fairhaven Park (H2) is a great place to hang out and picnic. With 136-acres, kids of all ages will enjoy the playground, basketball and tennis courts, spray park, and large open areas to run around.

The drive ends in Fairhaven Village (A2), on the National Register of Historic Places. Charming architecture, and an eclectic array of shops, restaurants, and parks make this a wonderful place to stop and enjoy the day.

Some of our favorite things to do while in the area: Visit Lake Padden Park (H6). Walk the 2.6-mile flat trail around the lake, or enjoy swimming, kayaking and paddle-boading. Then continue to Bellingham (F2), where you'll find activities for every taste. Stroll the downtown and enjoy shops and a myriad of restaurants, breweries, cideries, and on Saturday, the fabulous Farmers Market at Depot Market Square. Explore the Arts District, museums, parks, and waterside views. Drive to Whatcom Falls Park (H8) where an easy trail leads to the waterfall and deep green forest. If you're up to it, 3.5-miles of trails meander and continue to small waterfalls and pools. The park is free. The Stimpson Family Nature Reserve (H7) is a delight, boasting Douglas Fir trees over 400 years old, small streams, and an opportunity to easily immerse in the wonders of a Pacific Northwest forest. The 3.2-mile loop trail gains only 300 feet of elevation. The Reserve is free. Bellewood Farms and Distillery (A3) hosts various events throughout the year, but don't miss apple picking in the fall, twenty-three types of apples are grown here.

From here, consider The North Cascades Highway and Mount Baker. For something shorter, consider Mosquito Lake Road.