Chuckanut Drive - Where the Cascades meet the Salish Sea

Chuckanut Drive – Where the Cascades Meet the Salish Sea

 

Andy Porter captured this view of Chuckanut Drive from Samish Outlook which is just one of the many hikes and view points accessible from Chuckanut Drive and the 4800 acre Blanchard State Forest.  This peak of lushness, Blanchard State Forest is a beloved place for recreation, respite, and exploration.

Blanchard State Forest features all-year round hikes including Samish Outlook, Oyster Dome and Blanchard Mountain.  In addition to hiking, visitors and locals enjoy mountain bike trails, paragliding, scenic lakes, and streams with territorial views west to the San Juan Islands and east to Mount Baker and the North Cascades.  Take in the patches of old growth and mature trees with beautiful rays of light shimmering through the forest.

Things to Do on Chuckanut Drive

 

1: Taylor Shellfish Farms

Enjoy the scenic trip along Chuckanut Drive to the Samish Bay Farm and Shellfish Market. Order a tray of oysters and let the friendly staff teach you how to shuck, or have the pros do it for you. Enjoy some local beer or wine available for purchase while barbequing up some of your favorite shellfish, or choose from local seasonal options. Pick up a variety of oysters, Manila clams, or Mediterranean mussels, along with a selection of fresh local fish, Dungeness Crab, and scallops ready for the grill. Feast at the waterfront picnic area or take your treats to go.

2:  Hike Samish Outlook and Oyster Dome

You will start your hike on the Pacific Northwest Trail (PNT).  Parking is on the side of the road.  Park off the drive (make sure your tires are not touching the line) and be careful when crossing Chuckanut Drive.  Either access this hike after your stop at Taylor Shellfish Farm or after you visit to Bow – Edison.  Do a couple of stretches first as it is a steep start!

3:  Scenic Drive

Looking for a beautiful drive to view the fall foliage or the beautiful sunsets anytime of the year?  Chuckanut Drive is one of the top scenic drives in Skagit Valley and Washington State!

Photo Credit: Morgan Jones

Photo Credit: Morgan Jones

4:  Edison

Edison is a funky foodie tiny town (feels like one long city block) on a Salish Sea slough. Only about 100 people live there, but you will be in bread, taco, oyster and breakfast heaven.  In between all of the eating, check out the art galleries and cool boutiques!

Watch this Skagit Valley road trip for scenes from Chuckanut Drive, Bow-Edison and Taylor Shellfish Farm.