Larrabee State Park, about 12 km south of Bellingham on Chuckanut Drive, is Washington's first state park — established in 1915 — and still one of the best. It covers nearly 2,500 acres of forested sandstone bluffs dropping directly into Samish Bay, with tide pools, sea caves, two small lakes, and over 20 km of hiking trails ranging from easy waterfront walks to strenuous climbs up the Chuckanut ridge.
The combination of old-growth forest, dramatic coastal geology, and mountain lake in a single park is unusual. Fragrance Lake is the reward for the main trail climb — a quiet mountain tarn at 300 metres elevation surrounded by Douglas fir. The lower trails along the shoreline reveal extraordinary sandstone formations sculpted by waves and weather, with views across Samish Bay on clear days. The park has a campground with both tent sites and hookups, making it a good base for exploring the Chuckanut area.