If you love scenic drives, getting outside, seafood, and local shopping you will love exploring Chuckanut Drive and Bellingham’s Historic Fairhaven District.
Hugging the shoreline just south of Bellingham, WA, Chuckanut Drive is Washington State's original scenic byway. Shown on maps as WA State Highway 11, the route begins at I-5 exit 231 in Burlington and continues 20 miles north to Bellingham. This is a favorite and historic entry into Whatcom County. At milepost 14, Chuckanut Drive passes Larrabee State Park, the first designated State Park in Washington. With access to the beach, tide pools, and trails, and encompassing 2,000+ acres, Larrabee is a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
If you’re in Bellingham and Whatcom County that means lots of oysters & seafood! Immerse yourself in the taste of the Pacific Northwest and the Salish Sea by embarking on a culinary adventure! One option, The Chuckanut Oyster Bar, is located right off Chuckanut Drive.
Book your jumping-off point from our lodging page. Whether you prefer a luxurious waterfront resort, a mid-priced hotel, or economy lodging, our partners have the perfect options for your visit to Bellingham and Whatcom County.
Located at milepost 14 on Chuckanut Drive is 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 boating, paddling, fishing, shellfish harvesting, diving, teeming tide pools, and perfect spots for quiet contemplation, child play, or a romantic date.
One of the most popular hiking trails in Whatcom County, Oyster Dome is part of a network of trails on the southern part of the Chuckanut Mountains. The Oyster Dome trail starts from Chuckanut Drive near mile marker 10, located a few miles south of Larrabee State Park. Spectacular views await you at the top. Oyster Dome is a dog-friendly hike, so don't forget to bring your pup!
Chuckanut Drive ends in the Historic Fairhaven District, known for its Victorian-era architecture, quaint shops, and delicious restaurants. Located on the north end of Chuckanut Drive, within the southern city limits of Bellingham, Fairhaven is a lively visitor destination and residential community. Many red brick buildings of Fairhaven’s Victorian-era survive in the federally designated historic district. Most of these are now home to a variety of unique local businesses, art galleries, restaurants, and pubs, as well as one of the best independent bookstores in the nation, Village Books.
