Easy Escapes: Four relaxing gems

ball or whatever sport you may like.

When it gets even hotter this summer, it is a good spot to go swimming or a place where you can launch your paddle board.

My personal favorite part is the train tracks that run alongside the beach.

If you walk down the train tracks, you will find a few more beaches secluded from the main one. Just be careful and do not get hit by a train.

Larabee State Park: 245 Chuckanut Drive, Bellingham ing lot with access to the beach or viewpoints. There is also a playground for the little ones.

Larabee is much more well-known, as it is a state park, but it is still definitely worth mentioning.

There are two entrances to the state park, one is a boat launch and the other is a central entrance. The boat dock can also be a place to launch your paddle board so you can easily drift out into Bellingham Bay.

This is another nice place to relax or hike. There is also a more proper hike called Fragrance Lake that is right across the street.

Big Rock Garden: 2900 Sylvan St., Bellingham

Big Rock Garden will be the last and most obscure entry on this list. Hidden in Northern Bellingham, this 2.5-acre plot of land holds 37 sculptures scattered throughout.

For fans of the arts, this could be a great place to go check out some unique pieces. The Garden is enclosed by trees and holds numerous kinds of flowers.

It is a good place to escape and learn something about art that you did not know before.

Continued from 11 someone is interested in going even higher and getting in a good workout.

I have frequented the Samish Overlook numerous times with my friends to relax with a gorgeous sunset view of the San Juans and Bellingham Bay.

It is also a good place to bring a picnic or a place to take photos if you catch the sun at the right time.

I highly recommend checking it out sometime.

Marine Park: 100 Harris Ave., Bellingham

Marine Park has become one of my favorite beach and walking spots in the area. It is relatively hidden at the very end of Harris Avenue in Bellingham.

I was not even aware it existed until just recently and since then, I have made it a regular spot.

There is a nice beach and while rocky (like most Washington beaches) it is still a great spot to hang out with friends or family.

There is plenty of room to play football, base-

The main entrance will lead you to a park-

-- Contact Nathan Schumock at nathan@ lyndentribune.com.