Roadtrip Series: Explore the chuckanut drive scenic byway

By Jennifer Coleman | Photos and Video by Capture.Share.Repeat

Chuckanut Drive curves along the Northwest Washington coastline and is known for its gorgeous views of Samish Bay and the San Juan Islands.  This region is the ancestral home of the Coast Salish people, and the word Chuckanut is derived from a Native American word that translates to 'long beach far from a narrow entrance'. This is the place where the Cascade Mountains meet the sea.

With access points on both the north and south, Chuckanut Drive is a popular and scenic way to travel between Burlington and Bellingham. On the north end of Chuckanut Drive is Historic Fairhaven. Built in the 1890’s, Fairhaven’s restored brick buildings are now home to an eclectic variety of bookstores, restaurants, shops, galleries and boutique hotels. The Bellingham Cruise Terminal can be found in Fairhaven, and presents many ways to get on the water at Bellingham Bay. A local favorite outfitter, San Juan Cruises, offers whale watching tours, trips to Friday Harbor, crab dinner cruises on Chuckanut Bay or in the Swinomish Channel, beer & wine tasting cruises, picnics on Sucia Island, and private charters.

As you make your way South, be sure to stop in at Chuckanut Bay Gallery and Sculpture Garden. This delightful gallery features the work of over 400 artisans. Chuckanut Bay Gallery offers a destination gift-shopping experience where visitors can enjoy infused and etched glassworks, beautifully glazed pottery, fine handmade jewelry, wooden crafts, and art prints. In addition to the gallery, the beautiful gardens overflow with sculptures, water features, lanterns, hand-tuned wind chimes, and much more.

For those seeking to venture into the Chuckanut Mountains for a day-hike or ride, a labyrinth of foot, bike, and horse trails can be accessed at various points along Chuckanut Drive. Miles and miles of trails access old-growth forests, lakes, streams, waterfalls, and offer great views of Mount Baker, Bellingham Bay, the San Juan Islands, and even as far as the Olympic Mountains. 

At milepost 14, Chuckanut Drive passes Larrabee State Park, which was the first officially designated State Park in the State of Washington. Larrabee is a favorite destination for camping, exploring tide pools, and hiking trails. With over 8,000 feet of saltwater shoreline, Larrabee State Park is known for its postcard views of Samish Bay and the San Juan Islands. Some of the best kayaking on Bellingham Bay can be accessed via the boat launch at Larrabee State Park. Book a day-trip with Dragonfly Kayak Tours to get up close to the mesmerizing Chuckanut sandstone, and access to coves and wildlife only available via kayak. Visitors will need a Discover Pass to access Larrabee State Park, and for parking in the various trailhead parking lots along Chuckanut Drive.

The graceful curves of Chuckanut Drive make it a favorite for motorcyclists and drivers alike. With many scenic viewpoints and pull-outs along the way, the short 24-mile scenic byway can be enjoyed for hours and is especially magical at sunset. At the southern end of the route, the curves give way to open fields and farmland of the Skagit Valley. This section of Chuckanut Drive is popular during spring when the fields bloom to life with daffodils in March, followed by the astonishing sight of the patchwork of millions of tulips blooming just in time for the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival in April of each year.

Whether you’re in the mood to drive the scenic winding road or would prefer to pull over at a turnout to enjoy the views, Chuckanut Drive is a wonderful slow-paced route. Explore the shore by kayak, enjoy some fresh seafood, or hike the verdant forests…Chuckanut Drive is one of those byways that will leave you wanting to linger just a little longer.