Larrabee State Park

Larrabee State Park offers a convenient launch point for accessing the waters of Bellingham Bay and Samish Bay in the Puget Sound region. Located in Bellingham along scenic Chuckanut Drive, this facility provides boat ramp access for kayaks, canoes, and small motorboats. The park features a dedicated boat launch parking area with nearby restroom facilities, though note that ADA beach access is not available within the park itself. From the launch area, paddlers can explore the protected saltwater bays for recreation including boating, fishing, diving, and crabbing.

The nearby Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve—encompassing 11,000 acres of seagrass meadows, tidal flats, sloughs, and salt marshes—offers extensive paddling opportunities for those seeking scenic exploration of coastal habitats. The calm bay waters make this site suitable for paddlers of various skill levels looking to explore Puget Sound without dealing with ocean swells. If you prefer alternative nearby access, Fairhaven (just south of Bellingham) has additional launching options including Fairhaven Boatworks with public ramps and docks, plus Marine Park with a sandy beach launch and free parking.