Bellingham residents know that our community features some amazing marine beaches -places where you can see stunning views, explore tide pools teeming with life and enjoy a picnic with your family or that special someone. Most of the beaches here are rocky mixtures of barnacles, beach glass, and seashells ground down over the centuries. There are plenty of open or shaded spots to lay out a towel and absorb that freshwater breeze.
Locust Beach
Located off Marine view drive. There is a parking lot on the right side of the beginning of the road that leads to the beach. After parking, there is a short walk down under the train tracks through the blackberries, then a right turn that continues to a wiggly path down towards the beach, then a long set of wooden stairs that take you all the way down to a low key natural beach. The beach is very rocky but at low tide, you can walk quite a distance on muddy sand. It is a very beautiful spot to sit on a wood log and enjoy the view or take a walk. Some amazing driftwood structures that are just along the beach. It’s a nice spot for a visit on the water.
Marine Park
Located in Fairhaven. This is a very welcoming park. Slightly hidden back in Fairhaven. Very nice picnic tables and protected gazebo area. It is not the biggest park but always offers a wonderful place to explore rocks and sea life at low tide. Not to mention the panoramic view of islands and Canadian mountains on a clear day. It is a great space to just relax and enjoy the view or for the more adventurous, kayaking.
Teddy Bear Cove
Located south out of Fairhaven. The cove has a long history of being a sunning spot for Bellingham residents looking for a little privacy. Though it was never officially sanctioned, the cove was often the beach of choice for people who prefer to sunbathe in the nude. Now that it’s a county park, nudity is forbidden. The cove is a great little hidden spot it is super quiet with a beautiful view. It’s an amazing place to watch the sunset. It can be tricky to find as there are no markers for it on the street so definitely keep maps pulled up so you know where to park. The limpet holes are amazing and fascinating to check out.
Located off Roeder Ave. An extremely beautiful path that is full of green lush forest. It’s a quiet and peaceful place where we can just relax while you’re drinking a glass of good wine. The beach itself is beautiful if you like hunting for stones or admiring graffiti art. It’s also an off-leash dog park.
Larrabee Beach
Located off Chuckanut Drive in Larrabee State Park. Take the enchanting Chuckanut Drive to get to this stunning beach. Its located in the state park. It’s a huge park full of the Pacific Northwest classics…huge trees, rocky shores, hidden beaches, woodland trails, lakes, viewpoints. Plenty of diversity for everyone to enjoy & contemplate. The little cove is full of life. The tide pools are full of tiny crabs and other discover-ables. And, there are, more often than not, kayakers putting in or arriving back. Rock-climbers can even be seen scaling the cliffs, using their ropes and harnesses.
Clayton Beach
Located off Chuckanut Dr. Amazing beach with stunning sandstone formations. The way the sandstone has eroded has created some fascinating natural architecture. It is a bit of a hike to get to but well worth the efforts. It has a beautiful rocky beach with really nice cliffs and woods lining the shores.
Point Whitehorn Park
Located in Birch Bay. The fields just east of the Nature Reserve are great for a good stroll or letting your dog off-leash. It’s also a great kite flying location with no kite obstructions. A beautiful walking trail that winds through the woods and down to the beach & aquatic reserve. It is an awesome family-friendly trail with 3 lookout areas. Also, you can make your way down to the shore by stairs. Beautiful views and provides a few hours of shell hunting.
Located near Blaine. The park has 8,255 feet of saltwater shoreline on Birch Bay and 15,000 feet of freshwater shoreline along Terrell Creek. It is a nice beach to sit n relax on or to take a walk on and plenty of rocks to hunt for agates! The beach is complete with sandy spots to stretch out on a towel on a warm day, and rocks to skip along the water with the family. Birch Bay is renowned for its shallow, warm waters and ample opportunities for clamming when the tide is out – and the tide there goes way, way out.