Parking added, road repaired at this popular Salish Sea scenic lookout
A scenic viewpoint overlooking the Salish Sea south of Whatcom County has reopened with more parking and improved access for cars, the state Department of Natural Resources said in a statement this week.
Samish Overlook, which offers a sweeping view of the San Juan Islands and the Skagit Valley, provides access to 15 miles of trails in the Blanchard State Forest about 8 miles south of Bellingham off Chuckanut Drive.
At an elevation of 1,300 feet, it’s also popular with hang-gliders and paragliders.
Access was closed for several weeks while DNR repaired the road, striped the parking lot that now has 26 spaces, and painted the restrooms.
“The view from Samish Overlook is one of the most scenic in all of Washington state, and this work makes it easier for the public to discover its beauty,” said Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz, the public official who oversees DNR.
A section of the old road was steep, deeply rutted and expensive to maintain, according to DNR.
A recent timber sale provided much of the funds for the project.
About 80,000 people visit Samish Overlook every year, the DNR said.
Because it’s state land, a Discover Pass is required to park a car.
