Larrabee State Park (Clayton Beach), Washington

Location: 20 minutes south of Bellingham off of WA-11 S/Chuckanut Drive

Type of Climbing: Bouldering

Type of Rock: Sandstone

Camping: Larrabee State Park for a fee; Teddy Bear Cove (camping prohibited) but worth it, just don't get caught

Guidebook: I'm sure there is one but not necessary, problems are pretty obvious
Bellingham has been known as one of the most beautiful places to live because of easy access to both mountains and the Pacific Ocean.  It sits about 10 minutes inland from the ocean and short drives from amazing peaks like Mt Baker giving any climber, alpinist, or just spectators a desire to be here.  Also, the American Alpine Institute is located here.  Definitely stop in and chat with them, they have the coolest jobs.

Climbing here...
It is all bouldering here.  What makes it just a bit worth it is the fact that you are on the beach of Larrabee State Park.  More specifically you are on Clayton Beach.  Make sure to get out early because tide comes in around 2:30pm (it varies by season), giving you a pretty good window to get all of the problems done.  This place is not a place to challenge oneself.  Don't expect this amazing bouldering.  What you CAN expect is bouldering on the beach of the Pacific Ocean where you can just relax, get some problems done, and have a nice enjoyable day.

Note: There is climbing potential at Teddy Bear Cove during low tide, not much potential but potential.

Amenities...
Bellingham has a Fred Meyer Grocery store which should provide everything necessary for the day.

The Guidebook...
I saw online there is a guidebook for the area but you REALLY don't need it.  The area is so small it is not worth it.

Camping...
You can camp for a fee at Larrabee State Park.  They have running water with toilets but I do not believe they have showers.  I am unaware of the cost.  There is also Teddy Bear Cove where camping is prohibited.  If you have the gall to camp there though, I would.  At Teddy Bear (free for illegal reasons) you can camp right on the ocean on top of a peninsula.  Only downside of Teddy Bear is a railroad track with a running passenger train that comes through every 2 hours(?)  When I say it is near, I mean you can throw a rock EASILY and hit the train.  Multiple times.

General Area...
Bellingham reminded me of a small beachside town.  So, exactly what you think it would be, it is.  No big surprises.

Recommendation...
If it is on the way to your destination, I would check it out.  It is a cool spot where you can brag to your friends that you bouldered on the beach.  Otherwise, from a pure bouldering standpoint, its not very good.  The potential barely exists, meaning I do not see this place ever becoming a hotspot for climbing.

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