Kayaking Chuckanut Island: Seals, Sandstone & Stunning Views of the Pacific Northwest!

Trip Overview

On a stunning Saturday morning at the end of August, we launched our kayaks from Fairhaven Marine Park, in the Pacific Northwest, near Bellingham in Washington State, setting out from the beach into calm waters under clear blue skies. The conditions couldn’t have been more perfect.

As we paddled south, we passed familiar landmarks—Clark’s Point, Teddy Bear Cove, and the striking Chuckanut Rocks. The real highlight here was the abundance of Pacific Harbor Seals lounging on the rocks, their sleek forms basking in the morning sun as they curiously observed us gliding by.

For lunch, we pulled up onto the north shore of Chuckanut Island, soaking in the brilliant sunshine while exploring the area. It’s an absolute gem—small but picturesque, with pristine sandy beaches stretching along both the north and south shores. Trails weave throughout the island, offering scenic walks in a beautifully preserved natural setting. As a designated nature preserve, it’s incredibly well maintained, untouched by the usual signs of human impact.

One of the most striking features of the trip was the gorgeous sandstone formations along the shoreline. Known as Chuckanut Sandstone, these formations have developed intricate honeycomb pockets over millions of years, sculpted by the forces of wind, salt, sand, and water. Paddling alongside them was like floating past an ancient work of art carved by nature itself.

After lunch, we continued our journey, paddling south past Governors Point before making our final approach to Larrabee State Park, where we pulled out, reflecting on the stunning beauty we’d encountered throughout the day.

It was a truly unforgettable paddle, filled with breathtaking scenery, fascinating geology, and wonderful wildlife encounters.