Chuckanut Drive
Chuckanut Drive (Route 11) is a scenic and curvy road that runs from the historic Fairhaven District of Bellingham in the north to the Skagit Valley farmlands in the south. The narrow road winds along the western side of the Chuckanut and Blanchard Mountains and provides many sweeping views of the San Juan Islands and Samish Bay. The southern portion of Route 11 runs through beautiful Skagit Valley farmland and the small towns of Bow and Allen.
There are not many flat areas along Chuckanut Drive so most of the homes located here are built along the waterfront of Samish Bay or on the hillsides of Chuckanut and Blanchard Mountains. Many of the hillside homes enjoy sweeping views of Samish Bay and the San Juan Islands. All view homes enjoy beautiful sunsets over the Bay. There are two gated communities located along Chuckanut Drive and some of the most expensive properties in Whatcom County are also located here.
Chuckanut Drive has several roadside viewpoints along the way that give visitors an opportunity to the enjoy some vistas of Samish Bay and the San Juan Islands. Visitors with more time and energy can take advantage of the many hiking trails on Chuckanut and Blanchard Mountains. Small public beaches are located at Teddy Bear Cove, Larrabee State Park and Clayton Beach and can be reached by hiking trails.
Taylor Shellfish Farm, located on the tidelands of Samish Bay, has been in operation along Chuckanut Drive at the mouth of Oyster Creek since 1890. Three restaurants, The Oyster Bar, the Oyster Creek Inn, and Chuckanut Manor, are located nearby and offer fine dining and great views.
Shopping
Chuckanut Bay Gallery & Sculpture Garden is the only retail store along the northern portion of Chuckanut Drive. Area residents came meet most of their shopping needs by driving to historic Fairhaven in south Bellingham.
Go to www.chuckanutdrive.com for a list of retail stores on the southern end and more information on the area.
Schools
In general, students living along Chuckanut Drive north of Larrabee State Park attend Lowell Elementary School, Fairhaven Middle School and Sehome High School.
Students who live in the Skagit County portion of Chuckanut Drive are in the Burlington-Edison School District attendance area.
Restaurants
Oyster Creek Inn | |
The Oyster Bar on Chuckanut Drive | |
Chuckanut Manor |
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Rhododendron Cafe |
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Biggest Burgers on "The Drive" |
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Edison Cafe |
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Old Edison Inn |
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Long Horn Saloon |
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Polly's Coffee House |
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Farm to Market Bakery |
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The Bread Farm |
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Vanilla Swan |
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Slough Food |
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Chuckanut Ridge Wine Co |
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