Chuckanut Scenic Byway.
5 Stops Along Washington’s Chuckanut Scenic Byway.
It’s road trip time. I keep hearing about this short little road trip I have to take in northern Washington. It’s called the Chuckanut Scenic Byway. The short byway can be done as a day trip and it’s supposed to have some stunning views of the Sammamish Bay and on a clear day you can see all the way to the San Juan Islands. It’s even been nicknamed the Big Sur of Washington. So with a reputation like that, I’m excited to check it out for myself.
The Chuckanut Scenic Byway is on state Route 11 in Washington between the cities of Burlington and Bellingham. This byway is 21 miles long and winds through evergreen forests, emerald bays, sandstone cliffs, with stunning views you can admire from the few pull outs along the drive.
This scenic byway can take you approximately an hour to travel from one end to the other. Unless you’re more like me, and I like to take my time to stop and see what there is to see.
I decided to start the byway from Bellingham and then work my way south back towards Seattle. So technically my first stop is not on the Chuckanut Scenic Byway, but it is only five minutes north of State Route 11, so for me it’s close enough to include in my 5 stops list.
BOULEVARD PARK
Boulevard Park is located on Bellingham Bay along State St. and Bayview Drive. I decided to include this on my 5 stops because I think this park is just damn cool. The thing I like most about this park is it has an overwater boardwalk. Plus, this park doesn’t just have beautiful views, it’s also a great place to get yourself situated before you embark on the scenic drive. There are restrooms, picnic tables, a beach and one of my new favorite places to grab a warm drink in the PNW, Woods Coffee.
FAIRHAVEN
Located on the north end of the Chuckanut Drive sits Historic Fairhaven Village. The old charm, Victorian architecture, art galleries, restaurants, pubs, and an impressive independent bookstore are all reasons to stop and spend a few hours here.
TAYLOR SHELLFISH FARMS
Oh, Taylor Shellfish Farms was something I’ve been looking forward to ever since I started planning this road trip. I like oysters, I like oysters a lot. So there was no way I was missing the opportunity to get my oyster fix on. This is history, did you read the sign? Since 1890, now that’s worth trying.
Sitting outside under the warmers, I had a nice view of the Samish bay, a cold drink in my hand and dined on grilled oysters with a Korean barbecue sauce. This is what I call living. My goodness, these oysters were so good.
SAMISH BAY CHEESE
Have you ever heard of a farmstead creamery? I had no idea what that was until I stopped here at Samish Bay Cheese. Basically, a farmstead creamery is when you milk cows from your own herd and the milk never leaves the farm before you turn it into cheese. I thought that was a cool fact.
This tiny cheese shop is super cute. They have wine, pasta, crackers and so much more. For me, this place has all the essentials for a picnic.
TERRAMAR BREWSTILLERY
The last thing on the list is similar to the first thing on the list, because it’s technically not on the Chuckanut Drive. Terramar Brewstillery is in the tiny town of Edison, Washington, population 316. This chic place sits between farmlands and the Samish Bay and has won many awards for their brews and spirits.
I really enjoyed the speakeasy that sits right next door. I had other plans then spending an evening here but I just wouldn’t leave. The ambiance was a fantastic surprise and oysters were just too good to pass on.
Road trips are all about the experiences you accidentally come across and this experience here at Terramar will always be memorable.
I really enjoyed the Chuckanut Scenic Byway. Do I think it’s comparable to Big Sur? I wouldn’t go that far but, without hesitation, I would drive it again.
