On State Highway #11 (Chuckanut Drive), 7 miles south of Bellingham, Whatcom County. Also includes Mt. Baker Highway Historical Marker and Telegraph Road Historical Marker in Bellingham.

Acreage

2683.5 acres with 8,100 feet of saltwater shoreline on Samish Bay and 6,700 feet of freshwater shoreline on two lakes.

Acquired

This park was acquired in 27 parcels; the first in 1915 and the last in 1988. The purchase of property on Chuckanut Mountain from Trilliam Corporation is ongoing.

Historical Background

This was the first Washington State Park. Twenty acres were donated to the state by C. X. Larrabee and Cyrus Gates in 1915. It was officially named in 1923. Additional land donations and purchases from the Larrabee family, Gates, Swen Larson, and others, increased the size to the present 2683.5 acres. From sea level to 1,940 feet elevation, the park occupies most of the westward side of Chuckanut Mountain in Whatcom/Skagit Counties.

Facilities

67 picnic sites, underpass to beach, 280 parking sites, 2-lane boat launching ramp, 3 mountain lookout sites, 10 footbridges, 9.2 miles of trail, 10.1 miles of road, 3 comfort stations, 3 vault toilets, 53 standard sites, 8 walk in sites, 26 trailer hookup sites, 3 emergency campsites, reservable group camp area (40 persons maximum), 2 residences, 2 reservable kitchen shelters with capacities of 50 and 100, 2 other shelters, 1 shop-garage building, 4 storage buildings, band shell, sewage lift station, sewage lagoons, chlorination building, 23,000 gallon reservoir, valve building. Water is supplied from the City of Bellingham.

Activities

Picnicking, boat launching, boating, fresh and saltwater fishing, clamming, hiking, camping, water skiing, crabbing, beachcombing and scuba diving.