This week my involvement with KMRE was announced on Facebook and one of the things I stated was my favorite place in Bellingham is Larrabee State Park. I thought the perfect follow up from a statement like that is to write a little history about Larabee and follow it up with pictures. Hopefully you can see why this is my favorite spot in Bellingham.
In 1913, Washington’s Governor Earnest Lister stated he wanted to make a state park along Chuckanut Drive to celebrate Charles Larrabee. Charles Larabee was considered one the wealthiest and influential men in Bellingham. Originally named Chuckanut State Park, Larrabee State Park became a park officially in 1915. In addition, Larrabee State was the first state park for Washington State. Larrabee was called Chuckanut State Park for seven years until the State Parks Committee changed the name to Larrabee Park in 1923. Even though everyone agreed Larrabee Park was beautiful, had the perfect picnic spots, and beautiful beaches, caretakers were a different story. One was fired for financial irregularities and one acted like a practicing police officer.
Larrabee State Park, today, consists of 2,683 acres, 52 standard camping sites, and 67 picnic sites. Larrabee State Park also has a boat launch, an amphitheater, and 8,100 feet of Bellingham Bay shoreline. There are countless hiking trails and so many areas to explore.
Going to Larrabee State Park for me is a different experience every time. There is one consistent thing, excitement. I love all of the new discoveries to be made up and down the beaches. Larrabee is chock full of beach creatures and amazing rock jumping opportunities. Here are some photos of my most recent journey to Larrabee.
This week I really want to incorporate something new into my posts, shoes. Most people who have met me in real life know that I love love love shoes, but my thinking, I can help advise about shoe choices for adventures. For instance, going to Larrabee, I would suggest a strappy sandal. No, I’m not saying a heel, but something like a Teva or my favorite, my Filas. I wanted to include this section because I have known people who have worn flip flops or crocs and they have found themselves in slippery unhappy situations. That’s my two cents.