Looking for a hidden gem along Puget Sound where you can find beautiful sand dollar skeletons and walk a quiet beach framed by forest and tidepools? Look no further than Clayton Beach, just south of Bellingham, Washington.
This often-overlooked stretch of shoreline offers one of the best beachcombing experiences in the Pacific Northwest. If you hit it at low tide, you might walk away with a pocket full of sand dollars—and a whole bunch of new memories.
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The Joy of the Hunt
Like most people, Lisa and I love walking on beaches when we get the chance. Whether we’re on the hunt for treasures or just soaking in that fresh salty air, the coast always calls.
Along much of the Pacific Coast, you’ll occasionally find a sand dollar or two, though many are broken thanks to hungry seagulls. But at Clayton Beach, we discovered a whole beach dotted with them—many still alive, some perfect and sun-bleached.
What Is a Sand Dollar?
Sand dollars (also called sea cookies, snapper biscuits, or pansy shells) are a type of flat, burrowing sea urchin from the order Clypeasteroida.
How to Tell If They’re Alive:
- Living sand dollars are dark gray or black and covered in tiny hair-like spines that move.
- Skeletons (the ones you can take) are white or light tan, hollow, and have no movement.
Tip: Only collect skeletons—leave the live ones to continue the circle of ocean life.
How to Get to Clayton Beach
Clayton Beach is accessed via Larrabee State Park, just off Chuckanut Drive, about 7 miles south of Bellingham.
📍 Larrabee State Park
Address: Chuckanut Dr, Bellingham, WA 98229
Discover Pass Required:
- $30/year or $10/day
Clayton Beach Trail Info
The trail to the beach is about 1.5 miles out and back and begins across the road from the Larrabee Day Use parking area.
- Distance: 1.5 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Scenery: Forest, driftwood, seaweed-covered beach
- Usage: Hiking, walking, nature trips
⚠️ Railroad Warning: You’ll have to cross BNSF train tracks to reach the beach. It’s technically private property and not officially sanctioned, but many hikers still make the crossing. Washington State Parks has talked about building a pedestrian overpass in the future.
Best Time to Go Sand Dollar Hunting
The best beachcombing happens during:
- Low tide
- After a coastal storm
We timed our visit just before low tide and were amazed at how many sand dollars we found—some still alive, others in various states of decay. There were also other neat shells and a few crabs.
And oddly enough? Hardly a seagull in sight.
What to Do With Sand Dollars
Lisa has recently gotten into painting rocks as a hobby while we travel, and she wanted to try painting sand dollars too. They’re fragile, but they make great keepsakes.
Creative Uses:
- Painted decorations
- Memory jars
- Ornaments
- Coastal wreaths
- Jewelry or magnets
Just make sure they’re dry and thoroughly cleaned before crafting.
Tips for Visiting
✅ Pack out your trash and practice Leave No Trace
✅ Bring your Discover Pass or plan to buy a day pass
✅ Wear sturdy shoes—the trail and beach can be slippery
✅ Don’t take live sand dollars
Nearby Activities
If you’re already in the area, don’t miss:
- More hiking trails at Larrabee State Park
- A scenic drive along Chuckanut Drive
- Local eats in Fairhaven or downtown Bellingham
- Tidepooling at nearby beaches like Teddy Bear Cove
Other Things to See and Do
Final Thoughts
If you’re into beachcombing or just want to enjoy a peaceful Pacific Northwest beach, Clayton Beach on Puget Sound is an incredible place to visit. The short hike through the woods opens up to a beach filled with little coastal treasures—and if you time it right, you might just walk away with a handful of sand dollar memories.
Thanks for following along on another one of our adventures! Got a favorite beachcombing spot of your own? Drop it in the comments—we’re always on the hunt for the next great coastal walk.
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