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Washington
12

Washington State Parks

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USA Parks
Washington
North Cascades Region
Larrabee State Park
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Larrabee State Park © Cody Logan (aka clpo13) / CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
An example of the rocky coastline at Larrabee State Park in Washington state.
Larrabee State Park © Steven Pavlov / CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Larrabee State Park, welcome sign
Larrabee State Park © Wilson, Doug, 1939-, Photographer (NARA record: 8464433) / Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Larrabee State Park © Daniel Ewert
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LARRABEE STATE PARK
LARRABEE STATE PARK
Larrabee State Park
Bellingham, Washington   98229
(lat:48.6535 lon:-122.4909) map location

Reservations: 888-226-7688
Larrabee State Park is a 2,683-acre camping park with 8,100 feet of saltwater shoreline on Samish Bay near Bellingham in northwest Washington. The park features two freshwater lakes, coves and tidelands. Sunsets are gorgeous. A variety of non-motorized, multiple-use trails wind through the park. The area is known for Chuckanut sandstone. The park has tide pools to explore on Chuckanut Bay and Samish Bay. Two freshwater lakes add beauty to the forested terrain.
Nature of the Area
The park is primarily forested with coniferous trees and dense woodland vegetation. It has marshlands, wetlands, streams, lakes and Chuckanut Mountain. The area is known for chuckanut sandstone.
History of the Area
In October 1915, the Larrabee family donated 20 acres of land to the state to be made into a park. Officially named in honor of Charles Xavier Larrabee in 1923, the area became Washington's first state park.
Passes
A Discover Pass is required for vehicle access to Washington state parks for day use. For more information about the Discover Pass and exemptions, please visit the Discover Pass web page.
Park Store
Services/Supplies Available in the park Available in the area? Camping? Pay phone? Auto repair? Airport? Boat rental? Diesel? Fishing/hunting? Gasoline? Gifts? Golf? Groceries? Hardware? Hospital? Overnight Accommodations? Pay phone? Postal service? Propane? Recreational equipment? Wood

Pop machines available and firewood offered seasonally. Nearest services are six miles north in Bellingham.
Camping
The park has 51 standard tent sites, 26 utilitysites, eight primitive sites, one dump station and eight showers (all ADA). Utility spaces have sewer, power and water. Maximum site length is 60 feet (may have limited availability). A working train track runs through the park and west of the campground. Campers are advised to check in at the registration booth upon arrival. To reserve a campsite, call (888) CAMPOUT or (888) 226-7688.

Group Accommodations:

A group camp with tent camping for a maximum of 40 people is reservable by calling (888) CAMPOUT or (888) 226-7688. There is a small picnic shelter with picnic tables and a fire ring. Parking is limited. No RVs permitted.

Check-in time is 2:30 p.m., and check-out time is 1 p.m.Quiet hours are from 10 p.m. to 6:30 a.m.Engine-driven electric generators may be operated only between the hours of 8 a.m. and 9 p.m.Length of stay: You may stay up to ten consecutive days in any one park during the summer; the stay limit is extended to 20 days between Oct. 1 and March 31.
Swimming
1. Larrabee State Park offers two freshwater lakes for swimming: Fragrance Lake and Lost Lake.
2. The park also features saltwater beaches along Samish Bay, suitable for ocean swimmers.
3. Swimming in the bay is tide-dependent; check local forecasts before planning a swim here.
4. No lifeguards are on duty at any of these locations so exercise caution when swimming.
5. Children should always be supervised while swimming due to varying water depths and conditions.

Boating
On high-tide boat launch is available but may be inaccessible to launching and retrieving watercraft at low-tide cycles.

A daily watercraft launching permit and a trailer dumping permit is available at the park. Annual permits also may be purchased at State Parks Headquarters in Olympia, at region offices, online, and at parks when staff is available.
Fishing
Enjoy fishing in two freshwater lakes, Fragrance and Lost Lake. Catch species like rainbow trout or largemouth bass. Alternatively, saltwater fishing on Samish Bay offers salmon and Dungeness crab opportunities.



Picnicking
Two picnic shelters are reservable by calling (888) CAMPOUT or (888) 226-7688. One shelter has a sink, each has electrical outlets, barbecue grill and eight covered picnic tables. The shelters accommodate 50 to 100 people. In addition to the picnic shelters, the park provides 70 unsheltered picnic tables available first-come, first-served.
Bicycling
Biking enthusiasts can explore miles of mountain biking trails. However, these paths are challenging and require advanced skills.

The terrain is steep with rocky sections that demand careful navigation to avoid accidents or injuries.

Riders should be aware the park does not offer bike rentals; bring your own equipment for a ride here.

It's important to note some areas may have restrictions on cycling due to environmental concerns or safety issues.

Always check local regulations before setting out as they might change depending upon seasonal conditions.

Remember: helmets are mandatory when riding in this area - it's crucial for personal safety.

For those seeking less strenuous options, there exist paved roads suitable for leisurely rides within the vicinity too.

Be cautious while sharing these routes with vehicles since traffic could get heavy during peak hours.


Trails
1. Fragrance Lake Trail: A 5.5-mile round trip trail that leads to a serene lake surrounded by lush forest, offering moderate difficulty with an elevation gain of about 950 feet.

2. Lost Lake Loop: An approximately 8 miles long loop featuring beautiful wildflowers and wildlife sightings; it's rated as difficult due to its steep sections and rocky terrain.

3. Rock Trail: This is a challenging but rewarding hike spanning around two miles one way, known for its unique rock formations and stunning views over Samish Bay at the top.

4. Interurban Trail - North Larrabee Section: It's an easy-to-moderate level hiking path stretching across roughly four miles along Chuckanut Drive providing scenic coastal vistas throughout the journey.

5. Cyrus Gates Overlook via Double Diamond/Deer Traverse Trails: Approximately six mile out-and-back route leading up through dense forests towards Cyrus Gates Overlook which offers panoramic views of San Juan Islands & Skagit Valley.

6. Chuckanut Ridge Park Via Hemlock And Madrone Crest Trails: Roughly five mile moderately trafficked loop located near Bellingham suitable for all skill levels.

7. South Lost Lake Trail: About seven mile heavily trafficked point-to-point trail primarily used for mountain biking, running & nature trips.

8. Two Dollar / Cleator Road Hike: Moderate uphill climb on gravel road from Clayton Beach parking lot off Chuckanut drive . The Two dollar/Cleator road junction provides access into several other trails in park including chucknut ridge trial.

9. Raptor Ridge Viewpoint via Hemlock Trial: Four Mile Out-and back-trail starting from Arroyo Park climbing steadily upwards till Raptor viewpoint where hikers can enjoy sweeping view of bellingham bay.

10. British Army Trlal: Short half:a-mile connector between interurban trial& fragrance lake trials passing through old growth trees.
Birding
Birdwatchers can spot species like the Pileated Woodpecker, Bald Eagle and Rufous Hummingbird. The park is home to a variety of birds including various types of owls, hawks, ducks and songbirds. Birding enthusiasts may also see seabirds along Samish Bay's shoreline such as gulls and cormorants. Various trails offer different habitats for bird spotting opportunities.
Area Attractions

Visitors may enjoy fishing on Fragrance Lake and Lost Lake on Chuckanut Mountain, accessible by hiking trails.

The old roadbed of the Mount Vernon-to-Bellingham Interurban Railway runs parallel to Hwy. 11, north through the park and on to Bellingham.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
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Area Campgrounds
Fidalgo Bay Resort
4701 Fidalgo Bay Road
Anacortes, WA
Pioneer Trails RV Resort & Campground
7337 Miller Road
Anacortes, WA
888-777-5355
Wildwood Resort
990 S Lake Whatcom Blvd
Sedro Woolley, WA
360-595-2311
Thousand Trails Mount Vernon
5409 Darrk Lane
Bow, WA
360-724-4811
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
Located six miles south of Bellingham, Wash., on the state's northwestern side.

From I-5 soutbound: Take exit #250, and turn right onto Fairhaven Pkwy. Go to second stoplight. Turn left on SR 11/Chuckanut Dr. Stay left at next stoplight, and drive six miles to park entrance.

From I-5 northbound: Take exit #231. Turn right onto SR 11/Chuckanut Dr., and drive north 14 miles to park entrance.

NOTE: Chuckanut Dr. (SR 11) is a narrow, winding road. Large RVs should go to I-5, exit #250 for easiest access to the park.

Alternate route for large RVs or vehicles towing trailers: Stay on northbound I-5 to Bellingham, then take exit #250 and turn left onto Fairhaven Pkwy. Go to second stoplight and turn left onto SR 11/Chuckanut Dr. Stay left at next stoplight and go six miles to park entrance.

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Washington
12

Washington State Parks

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