Not too long ago, it would have been very difficult to travel from Whatcom County to Skagit County. The train, or some sort of watercraft would have been the only way. The construction of this road was the beginning of not only leisurely travel to experience the beauty of the dramatic scenery, but it allowed business owners to easily transport their goods. It connects two diverse regions from Fairhaven, Bellingham to Bow in Skagit County. By connecting these regions, folks get to drive through beautiful old trees into the iconic farmlands of the Samish Bay flats.

It is hard to believe that it was just 127 years ago, in 1896 that the construction began of Chuckanut Drive, also known as State Route 11. Back in the 1920’s it was called “the liquor runners road.” Read more about the history of Chuckanut Drive at the Historylink.org Parts of the road had to be blasted out which was not good news for the train tracks that lay just below along the water’s edge. Parts of the road were built by prisoners with little or no experience in road construction. Yet, despite all the challenges, this scenic road unlike any other was completed by the spring of 1916. Chuckanut Drive opens in the spring of 1916. - HistoryLink.org

The most incredible thing about this road is the visibility. From the lookouts, one can spot the San Juan Islands! I find it so inspiring, to be able to take a short drive from the hustle and bustle of the city to quickly escape into another place where time seems to slow down and where my breath becomes more important than the worries of the day. It’s the perfect place to gain perspective and reconnect to this beautiful planet.

There are numerous activities to explore along the drive. One of special note is Larabee State Park, which in 1915 became Washington’s first state park. “By 1965 the park had grown to nearly 2,000 acres and was attracting a quarter-million visitors a year.” “The park now covers 2,683 acres, stretching from near the Whatcom-Skagit county line north almost to the Bellingham city limits. It includes Lost and Fragrance lakes, Cleator Road, and much of Chuckanut Mountain, with miles of hiking trails that will take you as high as 1,940 feet if you're so inclined (the views from the top are worth it). The park also offers 67 picnic sites, a boat launch, 53 standard camping sites, an amphitheater, large fields, and 8,100 feet of saltwater shoreline to explore”.-Historylink.org

Another exciting feature of Chuckanut drive are the options for dining! One thing that I can’t overstate is the importance of our actions that lead to the preservation of this place. When I am perched high above the water, looking down at the wild beauty of the Pacific Northwest, I am reminded how everything we consume or utilize will eventually make its way back to the ocean. It is especially obvious seeing how the farm fields are directly connected to the Bay. I understand that my actions will affect the wildlife, the fish, and then us who depend on the ocean/bay/rivers to feed us.

Taylor Shellfish Farms has served fresh shellfish since 1890!

Chuckanut Manor, I’ll just let the menu do the talking here, yum!

Check out Samish View BBQ & Scoops which is located at the Manor as well.

The Oyster Bar “The spectacular views of the San Juan Islands are the perfect backdrop for the stunning dishes served at candlelit tables.” -theoysterbar.net/history

Persimmon Bistro connected to Bow Sanctuary

Did you know, “The Salish Sea is one of the leading producers of shellfish in North America, and commercial product is shipped around the world.” -Shellfish Harvesting | US EPA There are strict standards in place to help classify the safety of the shellfish to ensure that they are free from contaminants. “Examples of potential impacts to water quality that commonly close shellfish beaches include marinas and outfall pipes, which may carry contaminated wastewater or runoff from urban areas, and also failing septic systems and agricultural runoff.” -US EPA

I hope everyone can see the importance of ensuring the cleanliness of our precious Salish Sea and do their part to keep it clean for all of us to enjoy. Samish Bay | The Oyster Guide

Take a drive, get some fresh air and a new perspective! You might even be so lucky to see raptors, woodpeckers and other birds high up in the trees as well as below in the Samish Flats.

Curvy, Narrow, and Breathtaking!