By Leslee Jaquette
This summer my gang of camping and hiking buddies has its collective eye on Larrabee State Park. We think it would be perfect for a mid-week destination getaway.
This 2,683-acre camping park with 8,100-feet of saltwater shoreline on Samish Bay near Bellingham in northwest Washington offers something for everyone. The park features two freshwater lakes, coves, and tidelands. Sunsets are gorgeous. A variety of non-motorized, multiple-use trails wind through the park.
Historically Speaking
Besides its many attractive features, Larrabee State Park has a great history. In fact, next year it will be a century old!
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. How cool is that?
Boating Features
The park is a mecca for boaters. Located in Whatcom County on Puget Sound, Larrabee offers a boat launch available at high-tide, but may be inaccessible to launching and retrieving watercraft at low-tide cycles.
A daily watercraft launching permit and trailer dumping permit for $5 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.
The waters around Larrabee are known for their good clamming, crabbing, salmon fishing and scuba diving. It’s a treat to have access to both fresh and saltwater at one destination.
Campsite Information
The park has 51 standard tent sites, 26 utility sites, eight primitive sites, one dump station, and six showers (four ADA). Six showers are open May 1 – October 1 and four showers are open October 1 – May 1. Utility spaces have sewer, power, and water. Maximum site length is 60-feet (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.
A group camp with tent camping for a maximum of 40 people is reservable by visiting online or calling 888-CAMPOUT (888-226-7688). There is a small picnic shelter with picnic tables and a fire ring. Parking is limited. RVs are not permitted.
Picnic & Day-Use Facilities
Two picnic shelters are reservable by visiting online or calling 888-CAMPOUT (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 45 unsheltered picnic tables available first come, first served.
Other Activities
I am happy to report that Larrabee State Park offers lots of other activities, too, including 13 miles of mountain biking trails and 15 miles of hiking trails. Checkout the ranger-led activities such as: amphitheater talks, beach exploration, bird watching and wildlife viewing.
Visitors may also enjoy fishing on Fragrance Lake and Lost Lake on Chuckanut Mountain, accessible by hiking trails. A recreational license is required for fishing and shellfish harvesting at Washington state parks. For regulations, fishing season information, or to purchase a recreational license, visit the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
What has your experience been at Larrabee State Park?
For more information:
Larrabee State Park
245 Chuckanut Dr.
Bellingham, WA 98229
Ph: 360-902-8844
Campsite & Group Accommodations
Ph: 888-226-7688
