One of the natural wonders we are blessed with in the coastal Pacific Northwest is the intertidal pools that appear at low tide, revealing a whole world of critters who usually live under the water. The tide pools are especially remarkable during a minus tide.
A minus tide is a low tide that falls below the typical low tide level, and a handful of minus tides occur each year. One of the best places to explore at low tide is Larrabee State Park, just minutes south of Bellingham along scenic Chuckanut Drive.
A plaque displayed on the trail to the beach offers a bit of the park's history as Washington's first state park.
When you first arrive at Larrabee, remember that you will need to present your state Discover Pass for free parking or pay a one-time fee for a day parking pass.
If the ranger’s booth at the entrance is not staffed, pull into one of first parking spots to get your pass from the automated pay station. Then follow the signs to the beach access parking.
When you’re with kids, the first thing they are likely to notice is the large, grassy field perfect for running around. They may also let their inner performer take over on the amphitheater stage or burn some energy on the adjacent playground.
If low tide is beckoning, head down to the beach. Access requires going down a few paved stairs and down a sometimes steep trail – be warned if you have a little one in a stroller.
After heading down the stairs, head to the right for the best beach access. Once on the beach, the stunning sandstone cliffs and boulders below them make the perfect environment for tide pools where critters from sea stars to snails to hermit crabs congregate.
Watch for squirts of water coming from the tide flats – those are clams under the sand. Dungeness crabs also find themselves on the flat during the minus tide. Where the rocks need the beach, look for sea stars as they often hang out there.
Parents, please note another little sea creature is prevalent on the rocks: barnacles. Barnacles are sharp, so it’s really advisable not to let kids go barefoot.
Kids will also have fun beachcombing for shells and rocks during low tide. Just remember not to disturb any wildlife and to always recreate responsibly.
When you're done exploring Larrabee State Park, head north on Chuckanut Drive into Fairhaven Village to grab lunch or explore the area's many shops and attractions.
Need ideas? Here's a list of 10 things to do when you're in Fairhaven.
