Washington has 186 state parks and dozens of beautiful recreation areas -- and some of them tend to get overlooked. Unless you call the Bellingham area home, you probably haven't experienced the sheer beauty of Larrabee State Park. It's breathtaking, and it's basically in Bellingham's backyard.
Larrabee State Park is located on Samish Bay, about 6 miles south of Bellingham.
Ready to plan your trip to Larrabee State Park? You can work it in to a road trip down Chuckanut Drive, which is one of our state's most beautiful byways.
I spent several years living in Idaho’s panhandle, right in the heart of the Palouse, and less than a mile from the Idaho and Washington state line. I’ve since moved away but still find myself longing for the rolling hills, the beautiful skies, and breathtaking colors throughout the year. While living in this area, my family would frequently make the drive to Spokane to attend countless doctor appointments for my son who was born with a few health challenges. On our drive, one of my favorite small towns to drive through was Colfax, home to Steptoe Butte State Park.
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Colfax is a small community that immediately captures your heart. It’s located in the Palouse and is surrounded by the beauty this region is known for. It is certainly small, with less than 3,000 residents, but is big on charm.
Rolling farmland on the Palouse in springtime, framed by multi-colored wildflowers out of focus in foreground at Steptoe Butte State Park in eastern Washington State.
Colfax, Washington also has many claims to fame. For example, downtown Colfax is a National Register Historic District due to its many historic buildings that date from the 1890s to the 1930s. It is also home to the former St. Ignatius Hospital, which has since been abandoned and is believed to be one of the most haunted places in Washington.
Colfax is also home to Steptoe Butte State Park, one beautiful Washington park that I cannot stop thinking about.
Eastern Washington state is an agricultural area often referred to as “The Palouse” that boasts of many wonderful vintage old barns.
Steptoe Butte State Park, also known as Steptoe Butte State Park Heritage Site, is a National Natural Landmark. Here, you can enjoy incredible views of Steptoe Butte, a 3,612-foot tall quartzite butte that stands out among the rolling hills of the Palouse. It’s a unique, simple shape, and if you stand on top of it, you can see for miles into both Idaho and Oregon.
This is a day-use-only park and camping is not allowed. However, it is truly the perfect day trip in Washington. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the views while you eat at the picnic area, which features multiple picnic tables and barbecue braziers. You can also walk around and read the interpretive signs that tell all about the area's history.
If you wish to hike Steptoe Butte, put on your hiking boots and grab your gear because you’ll have a 6.4-mile, out-and-back trail to conquer. Fortunately, the trail is not too difficult as it winds its way to the top of the butte. Just make sure you have your camera ready — you don’t want to miss these views. This is a photographer’s paradise.
Keep in mind that to visit Steptoe Butte State Park in Washington, you will need a Discover Pass. Day passes are $10. The park is open from 6 a.m. to dusk each day, and during the winter, it is open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. If visiting in the winter, be aware that some portions of the park may be closed due to snow and ice.
If you find yourself in eastern Washington, a visit to the small town of Colfax is a must. There is so much to love about this community, including the beautiful and bucket-list-worthy Steptoe Butte State Park. When you visit, you’ll quickly understand why I can’t stop thinking about it.
For more information, visit the Washington State Parks website. You can also visit the City of Colfax official website for more about this delightful community.
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Have you spent time in Colfax, Washington, or Steptoe Butte State Park? What was your experience like? What are some of your favorite small towns in Washington? Let me know! I’d love to hear from you.
Thanks to our temperate climate, Washingtonians can enjoy camping at state parks throughout the year. Though you may need to work around winter schedules, limited office and interpretive center hours, and inclement weather, off-season camping has some big benefits. Prices may be cheaper and — particularly in high-traffic areas — you won't encounter the crowds that can throw a spanner in your back-to-nature aspirations. While you can certainly outsmart the rain with an RV, my favorite year-round campgrounds embrace the basics. With just a little strategizing and special gear, your night at spots like Kalaloch Campground in Forks won't leave you wishing you'd opted for the hotel chain down the road.
Olympic National Park is one of the Evergreen State's most beloved destinations. And why wouldn't it be? This iconic region contains verdant forests, rugged coastline, and fascinating wildlife. All these superlatives attract about three million visitors annually, most of whom arrive in the summer. In peak season, Kalaloch's 160 campsites are often fully booked and you'll need reservations if you plan on staying there between the months of May and September. That said, if you arrive in the winter, sites are claimed on a first-come, first-served basis. With the sharp drop-off in bookings, you'll find it easier to lock down desirable spots, optimizing your access to the nearby beach and local facilities.
Men in rain jackets next to tarp in the Olympic National Park.
Speaking of facilities, expect basic amenities during your stay. There are no hook-ups at Kalaloch and no showers. Campsites are stripped to the basics, including a picnic table and campfire ring. Stay warm with dry wood purchased from nearby Kalaloch Mercantile. Or, if you want something to eat that you can't cook outdoors, check out Creekside Restaurant, just a ten-minute walk from the campground. This delicious spot celebrates sustainable, locally sourced ingredients, boasting an extensive menu and stunning coastal views.
Spend blustery mornings strolling down the beach, which stretches just down the slope from the campground. Granted, I'm a fan of rugged Pacific Northwest beaches, but not much is better to me than taking in the ocean on an overcast day, clutching a mug of hot coffee. Washington's famous Tree of Life is also located at Kalaloch, giving you a chance to mark this mesmerizing regional attraction off your bucket list.
With just a little extra planning and equipment, winter camping is possible in Washington. Not only is it possible, it has major upsides, allowing outdoor enthusiasts to sidestep the crowds and reservations that can make summertime expeditions a hassle. One of my favorite spots for off-season camping in Washington is Kalaloch Campground in Forks, a gem of coastal beauty. What it doesn't offer in abundant amenities, it more than makes up for in atmosphere, location, and privacy.
