Five iconic state parks near Bellingham and the far north Northwest

Washington’s northernmost city Bellingham has that perfectly Northwest feeling, with bookstore and coffee house combos, an art and music scene, a university and more. But the town itself is flanked by Mount Baker to the east and the Salish Sea to the west, making it outdoor heaven for hikers, cyclists, boaters, paddlers, anglers and more. And you won’t have to drive far to find this natural drama: the area has five state parks less than an hour away.

From the Mountains to the Sea: Five State Park Destinations Near Bellingham

Peace Arch, 30 min.

What to do:

Stroll through manicured gardens between the U.S. and British Columbia, Canada (don’t forget to bring your passport) and marvel at this border park, a partnership between Washington State and BC Provincial Parks.
Unpack a picnic on the lawn and enjoy the green grass and perfect plantings.
Walk under the concrete Peace Arch, a monument to the enduring peace between the U.S. and Britain since the Treaty of Ghent was signed in 1814, erected by concrete mogul Sam Hill in 1921.

In addition to the Peace Arch itself, Peace Arch State Park is known for its manicured gardens. Photo by Karine Miltonian.

Birch Bay, 30 min.

What to do:

At Birch Bay, your job is just beach. Bring an umbrella or day tent and lay out with a good book while the kids use the playground nearby.
Launch a rowboat or paddleboard and float around the protected bay.
Bring your crab pot or clam digging equipment and license in season and make a seafood dinner on a grill at a beachside picnic table.

Bay View, 35 min.

What to do:

Enjoy a stroll on a rocky or sandy beach.
Book a cabin and relax on the covered porch swing with a view of Padilla Bay.
Visit the National Marine Estaurine Research Reserve, including the Breazeale Padilla Bay Interpretive Center, where you can interact with cool aquarium exhibits.

Larrabee, 20 min.

What to do:

Hike to Clayton Beach via the new pedestrian bridge above the railroad tracks and check out the drippy-looking sandstone formations that make up the water’s edge.
Take a vigorous hike to Lost and Fragrance lakes in the forest.
Unpack a picnic near the historic band shell and stage.
In late September and early October, take the iconic fall foliage drive on Chuckanut Drive, which runs past the park.

Rasar, 55 min.

What to do:

Walk through forest and fields to the blue Skagit River, where you can cast out for fish or compete for the catch of the day with the eagles that live in the neighboring trees.
Rent a cabin for the night and use the park as your base camp for North Cascades exploration, including Rockport State Park, set in a rare stand of old-growth forest.