Larrabee water system overhaul
Project summary
Larrabee State Park is undergoing a total water system replacement, which is scheduled to start on Sept. 15, 2026 and estimated to end in late May 2027.
The current system is a network of pipes from different eras that distribute water throughout the park, including to campgrounds, buildings and facilities. Some of the pipes may be original to the park, which is over 100 years old. This project will bring the system up to modern standards with sturdy, reliable infrastructure.
- Location: Larrabee State Park
- Estimated start date: September 15, 2026
- Estimated end date: May 31, 2027
- Budget: $3,001,802
Visitor impacts
The main part of the park, all camping, day-use areas, kitchen shelters and indoor restrooms will be closed during construction.
Chuckanut Drive, Cleator Road, Cove Road and Hiline Road will be open, as will the boat launch, Lost Lake parking lot, trails leading out from Lost Lake parking lot and Clayton Beach.
The work will be completed by State Parks Construction and Maintenance staff, not by an outside contractor.
Project details
Larrabee State Park, including its campgrounds and facilities, currently gets its water through a network of pipes from different eras, made of varying materials like galvanized steel, PVC and iron. Over the years, staff have made repairs and performed maintenance, but they have reached the end of their useful life and must be upgraded.
This project will replace all the pipes with pipes made of high-density polyethylene, which will bring Larrabee's water-carrying system up to modern standards. The new system is a cost savings and the result will be more reliable water in campgrounds and park facilities and much lower maintenance requirements.
State Parks has a long-term commitment to the health and upkeep of the parks in our care, and this project is necessary to update the park’s infrastructure. After this temporary closure, present and future generations will continue to enjoy all that Larrabee has to offer.
Project history
This project was originally identified as part of the 2021-23 biennial capital budget request.
Design began in early 2022, and permits were issued in 2025 and 2026 after funding was allotted in the 2023-25 capital budget. The construction timeline was eventually adjusted so that the park could stay open during the summer of 2026. Additionally, the agency chose to utilize the in-house Northwest Region Construction and Maintenance crew for efficiency and to build collaboration through a special project initiative.
The project was subject to the Standard SEPA public process and was identified through infrastructure condition assessments over the past several years.