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Birch Bay State Park

(4 stars from 1 rating)
Birch Bay State Park 0:4

Address

5105 Helweg Road
Blaine , WA 98230
(360) 371-2800

Hours

Closed on Christmas 6:30 AM - Dusk

Review

Birch Bay State Park offers spectacular views of Canada's Gulf Islands and Coast Mountains, and an opportunity to explore the shoreline, forests and marshes typical of the Pacific Northwest. In past centuries, Semiahmoo Indians fished and gathered edible plants from the park's shoreline. Captain George Vancouver is credited with discovering Birch Bay in 1792 and named the area for the plentiful birch trees he found. The nineteenth century saw the area become important to the logging industry; however, in 1954, the need to protect the natural beauty of the site was recognized and it became part of the state park system. Today, both day visitors and campers can enjoy the quiet forests, wetlands and curving shoreline of Birch Bay State Park, ideal for clamming, walking, swimming or just relaxing and enjoying the vista.

An important feature of the park is Terrell Marsh Trail, a one-half mile hiking trail through Puget Sound forest and marsh environments. Terrell Creek Marsh is one of the last saltwater/freshwater estuaries in this part of Washington. The self-guided interpretive trail offers an extremely beautiful meander through a typical northwest mixed forest, including a view of Terrell Marsh, home to blue herons, red-winged blackbirds and other water fowl. The trail has a slight slope and is a very easy walk, even for small children.

Located approximately 18 miles from Bellingham and 30 miles south of Vancouver, Canada, the park offers day use and camping facilities. Day use areas are located near the beach, and include picnic tables, fire pits, restrooms, a basketball court, a rain shelter and open grass for leisure activities. Parking is plentiful. The park's 167 campsites are fairly private, and sheltered by towering cedars and douglas firs. Utilities are available at some sites. For those who can't camp without roasting marshmallows, firewood is available from the campground concessionaire or from the local store located near the park entrance. The park is open year-round; reservations are recommended, with unreserved sites available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Written By: Tanya Perkins
On: 4/27/1999

Directions

Take Exit 266 off the I-5 heading north from Bellingham. At the intersection, turn left and follow the clearly posted signs for Birch Bay State Park.

Features

Kid Friendly | Bathrooms | Picnic Tables | Walking Trails | Basketball Courts | Picnic Area | Swimming Areas

Map

User Reviews

Dina B.
BELLINGHAM, WA
153rating
(6)
(5)
6/17/2009
First To Review
Birchbay state park is a great place for family holidays. Make sure you get there in the morning (holiday weekends) because the place fills up. The restroom is huge and centrally located. The beach has a lot of variety and at low tide you can walk a far bit out. You can dig for clams and muscles with a license and cook them right there in the picnic areas. Bring kites, dogs, & sunscreen.
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