This Scenic Drive Is the 'Pacific Northwest's Big Sur'-With Cliffs, Beaches, Hiking Trails, and Fresh Oysters Along the Way

"You may have heard of Washington's State Route 11-or maybe the name Chuckanut Drive rings a bell. Either way, they're referring to the same route, the state's original scenic byway. Stretching from Bellingham in the north to Burlington in the south, the drive is a little over 20 miles and runs along the coast, hugging the Chuckanut Mountains' sandstone cliffs. The views are so stunning and dramatic, Chuckanut Drive has also been deemed the Pacific Northwest's version of California's Big Sur."

"If you're starting the journey in Bellingham, you'll want to set aside a day or two to explore the destination itself. The culinary scene in this coastal city is top-tier, with fresh seafood restaurants and breweries taking the lead. There are also local galleries, museums, and one-of-a-kind shops to explore between meals. Another one of Bellingham's selling points is the historic Fairhaven district, founded in the late 1800s. This part of town has cobblestone streets, red-brick architecture, and a seasonal farmers market."

Chuckanut Drive (State Route 11) is a scenic coastal route of a little over 20 miles running from Bellingham south to Burlington along sandstone cliffs of the Chuckanut Mountains. The drive offers dramatic views of Samish Bay, the San Juan Islands, the Olympic Peninsula, and Mount Baker. Bellingham provides a strong culinary scene, breweries, galleries, museums, unique shops, and the historic Fairhaven district with cobblestone streets and red-brick architecture. Southbound trails enter the Chuckanut Mountains with hikes to waterfalls, lakes, and overlooks. Larrabee State Park, Washington's first state park, offers over 2,000 acres of trails, lakes, beaches, tidepools, and camping near Clayton Beach.

Read at Travel + Leisure