Bellingham, WA : Clayton Beach

Clayton Beach

Whatcom County

Bellingham

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Address Chuckanut Drive Bellingham, WA 98225	Hours Every day 6:30am - Dusk

Directions
Follow Chuckanut Drive from Fairhaven, driving south. The parking lot for Clayton Beach is a short distance past the main Larrabee State Park entrance, on the left hand side.

Description:
Clayton Beach is part of Larrabee State Park, found just outside Bellingham along Chuckanut Drive, one of the prettiest drives in the area. It is a fairly rocky beach - a wonderful place to rock climb and study wild mussels, barnacles and baby crabs. At high tide, the sandy beach area is relatively small; this is a beach that is more enjoyable at lower tide levels, so check the tide tables before you set off.

The parking lot for Clayton Beach is found on the left hand side of Chuckanut Drive, heading away from Bellingham, and the trail to the Beach is across the busy street, so parents need to be alert. The walk down to the beach is beautiful - a cool, green trek through the forest, with the tree canopy arching far overhead. The trail is basically just a dirt path that can get very muddy and slippery after rains, so caution is needed especially if carrying coolers or picnic baskets. Travel as lightly as you can down to the beach. There are no picnic tables, restrooms or trash cans, so you must pack out everything you pack in. The trail itself is approximately three-quarters of a mile and is rocky and steep in places. Soft-soled shoes are recommended. The beach is open from 6:30 a.m. to dusk.

Once down to the beach, clamber up onto the rocks and enjoy a wonderful view - across the Sound, Anacortes twinkles in the distance, and the San Juan Islands stretch across the horizon, misty blue islands suspended between the dazzling blue sea and the endless blue sky. Savor the quiet, the peace, the beauty of it all.

Written By: Tanya Perkins

Features
Walking Trails

Comments
Are there sand dollars on the beach year round? Or just in the summer months?
- Laurie on Fri, March 16, 2007

u gots'ta get coeval on that sheeze dude
- Andy Yo on Tue, April 18, 2006

that depends on time, tim. in april 2001 they are too cold, but in april 2006 people will respond to your inquiries and it's generally pretty warm now. ya, it's nice. it sux0r to be in the past--doesn't it, channi boy?
- Andy Yo on Tue, April 18, 2006

Are the waters to cold to swim in during April? I am planning a visit. Tim in Texas.
- Tim Chan on Sat, April 21, 2001

I think clayton beach is the best place to swim in the bellingham area. It is so peaceful, and it is really the only sandy swimming area in bellingham saltwaters. On a hot day, there is nothing better than sweating your way to clayton beach, and jumping in.
- Christopher Roselli on Thu, August 12, 1999

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