Chuckanut Bay

Chuckanut Bay opens its large jaws to the west. Its pleasing Native American name means “small cliffy bay next to big bay.” A short distance from Bellingham, Chuckanut is ringed by private homes, many on steep rock cliffs. The railroad and highway rim the length of the shore. The entrance to the bay, though wide, is obscured by Chuckanut Rock, by a reef extending southward, and by Chuckanut Island, a public nature preserve managed by Western Washington State University.

Moorings and Anchorage
Pleasant Bay and the bay created by its eastern finger offer the best protection in Chuckanut against southwesterly winds. Depth and holding ground are good. Pleasant Bay is tranquil but not very private; you’ll feel like you’re in the front yards of the fine homes on the steep shore, and they in yours.

The north cove of Chuckanut has sandstone formations as beautiful as those of the San Juan’s Sucia Island. In good weather this area is a favorite among locals for sunbathing and clamming. Holding ground is good most anywhere in the north cove, but you’ll be more protected if you anchor toward the west cliff.

Fir and Madrona trees grow from the undercut sandstone of Chuckanut Bay.

Getting Ashore
Tidelands north of the trestle in the north cove are public, part of an undeveloped park known (with reason) as Mud Bay.  A trail from the beach at the west end of the cove leads up through Teddy Bear Cove Park and connects with the Interurban Trail and the North Chuckanut Mountain Trailhead.

Sailor, writer and teacher Migael Scherer, who divides her time between Seattle and Lopez Island, is the author of “A Cruising Guide to Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands,” published by International Marine/McGraw-Hill. The guide can be purchased online through Armchair Sailor Books & Charts, Captain’s Nautical Supplies, Amazon and other retailers.

About Migael Scherer

Sailor, writer and teacher Migael Scherer, who divides her time between Seattle and Lopez Island, is the author of “A Cruising Guide to Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands,” published by International Marine/McGraw-Hill. The guide can be purchased online through Armchair Sailor Books & Charts, Captain’s Nautical Supplies, Amazon and other retailers.

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