Birch Bay

Birch Bay State Park is a 194-acre marine camping park located on the shores of Birch Bay in Whatcom County, northwestern Washington, just south of the Canadian border. The park sits at sea level along a shallow, sandy bay on the eastern shore of the Salish Sea, offering extensive beach access and views toward the San Juan Islands and Canadian Gulf Islands. Named for the Pacific madrone trees (sometimes called 'birch' by early settlers) that grow in the area, the park provides 8,255 feet of saltwater shoreline. The bay's shallow, gradually sloping beach makes it particularly popular for families with children. The park offers camping, beachcombing, shellfish harvesting, wildlife viewing, and water recreation. Its proximity to Blaine and the Canadian border makes it a convenient stop for international travelers while serving as a valued recreation destination for Whatcom County residents.

Birch Bay State Park's marine and coastal habitats support diverse wildlife characteristic of the northern Puget Sound region. The bay's shallow waters and eelgrass beds provide important habitat for juvenile salmon, Pacific herring, and various flatfish species. Harbor seals are frequently observed, particularly hauling out at nearby Birch Point. Bald eagles and great blue herons hunt along the shoreline year-round. The park is an excellent location for viewing migratory shorebirds including dunlin, sanderlings, and black-bellied plovers that feed on the extensive mudflats exposed during low tides. Waterfowl including brant geese, wigeon, and scoters utilize the bay during fall and winter. River otters occasionally visit the shoreline. Black-tailed deer browse in forested areas of the park. Intertidal zones host clams, crabs, sea stars, and diverse invertebrates that form the foundation of the bay's food web.

The park's vegetation represents typical northern Puget Sound coastal forest communities. The upland forest features Douglas fir, western red cedar, and western hemlock, with Pacific madrone trees contributing to the area's distinctive character. The understory includes salal, Oregon grape, oceanspray, and sword fern. Red alder dominates in disturbed areas and along drainage corridors. Along the shoreline, salt-tolerant vegetation including pickleweed, American glasswort, and various salt marsh grasses occupy areas subject to tidal influence. Eelgrass beds in the shallow bay waters provide critical marine habitat, though they remain submerged and less visible to casual observers. Seasonal wildflowers including coastal strawberry and sea blush bloom in open areas. Invasive species such as Himalayan blackberry create management challenges in some areas. The diverse vegetation provides nesting habitat for songbirds and cover for wildlife moving between forest and beach habitats.

Birch Bay State Park occupies a site shaped by Pleistocene glaciation and subsequent coastal processes. During the last ice age, the Cordilleran Ice Sheet advanced southward, reaching its maximum extent approximately 15,000 years ago. As glaciers retreated, they deposited thick layers of glacial sediments including till, outwash, and marine clay that form the park's substrate. Glacial rebound and sea level changes created the current shoreline configuration. The bay itself is relatively shallow, typically less than 20 feet deep, with a gradually sloping sandy beach that extends well offshore during low tides. The substrate includes fine sands and silts that support eelgrass growth and provide habitat for burrowing clams and other invertebrates. Terrace Creek and several smaller streams flow through the park, creating freshwater inputs that influence local salinity and sediment deposition. Wave action and tidal currents continuously reshape the beach profile.

Birch Bay experiences a mild maritime climate influenced by the Salish Sea and its northern latitude. Summers are warm and relatively dry with temperatures typically ranging from 65-75°F, cooler than inland areas due to marine influence. Winters are mild with temperatures generally between 35-50°F, and the area receives moderate rainfall averaging 35-40 inches annually, less than areas farther south in Puget Sound. Most precipitation falls between October and April. The proximity to the Strait of Georgia can bring cooler temperatures and marine fog during summer months. Snow is rare at this sea-level location but occasionally occurs during winter cold snaps. Spring arrives relatively early with wildflowers blooming by late March and April. Fall colors appear in October and November. Strong winds can develop during winter storms. The marine influence moderates temperature extremes, creating relatively stable conditions year-round.

The Birch Bay area has been utilized by Coast Salish peoples, particularly the Lummi and Nooksack tribes, for thousands of years. The bay's rich marine resources including salmon, shellfish, and waterfowl made it an important seasonal gathering location and settlement site. European exploration of the region occurred in the late 18th century, with Spanish and British expeditions charting these waters. The name 'Birch Bay' was given by Captain George Vancouver's expedition in 1792, though it likely refers to Pacific madrone trees rather than actual birch. Euro-American settlement increased in the mid-to-late 1800s with logging, fishing, and agriculture. The bay became a popular recreation destination in the early 20th century, with summer cottages and resorts developing along the shoreline. Recognition of the area's recreational value and the need to preserve public beach access led to its eventual acquisition as a state park.

Birch Bay State Park was established in 1968 when the state acquired property along the bay to provide public recreation access and camping facilities. Initial development included basic camping areas and beach access points. Through the 1970s and 1980s, the park expanded its amenities with improved campsites, modern restroom facilities with showers, and enhanced day-use areas. The park's development balanced providing family-friendly beach access with protecting sensitive marine and coastal habitats. Upgrades continued through the 1990s and 2000s including utility hookups for RVs, improved parking, and ADA-accessible features. The park has become one of Whatcom County's most popular state parks, particularly during summer months when the shallow, sandy beach attracts families. Recent management has emphasized protecting eelgrass beds, managing invasive species, and sustainable operations while accommodating high summer visitation levels.

The park's primary attraction is its extensive sandy beach along Birch Bay, ideal for wading, swimming during warmer months, beachcombing, and building sandcastles. The beach's gentle slope makes it particularly safe and enjoyable for young children. The park features approximately 2 miles of trails including the Terrace Creek Marsh Interpretive Trail, which explores freshwater wetlands and provides wildlife viewing opportunities. Birch Bay itself offers opportunities for kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing in the protected shallow waters. Shellfish harvesting is popular when seasons are open and health conditions permit, though closures due to biotoxins are common. Crabbing from the beach or by boat attracts many visitors. Day-use picnic areas provide facilities for family gatherings. The park serves as a convenient base for exploring nearby attractions including Semiahmoo Spit, Peace Arch State Park, and the town of Blaine.

Birch Bay State Park is located approximately 10 miles south of Blaine and 20 miles north of Bellingham, accessed via Grandview Road with clear signage from Interstate 5. The park offers 167 campsites including standard sites, utility sites for RVs up to 60 feet, and group camping areas. Modern restroom facilities with hot showers serve campers. Two dump stations accommodate RVs. Extensive day-use areas include picnic shelters, tables, and multiple beach access points. Parking areas accommodate day visitors and trailers. Potable water is available throughout the park. A playground serves families with children. The nearby community of Birch Bay offers restaurants, groceries, and services, while Blaine and Bellingham provide full amenities. Cell phone coverage is generally reliable. The park is open year-round with full services from spring through fall. Visitors should check shellfish harvesting regulations and biotoxin levels before collecting, as closures are common.

Park management prioritizes protecting Birch Bay's eelgrass beds, which provide critical habitat for juvenile salmon and other marine species. Regular water quality monitoring tracks potential pollution sources and informs management decisions. The park educates visitors about proper shellfish harvesting practices and the importance of not disturbing eelgrass during beach activities. Invasive species control programs target terrestrial invasive plants including Himalayan blackberry and Scotch broom that threaten native vegetation. The Terrace Creek wetlands are managed to protect freshwater-dependent species while providing interpretive opportunities. Forest management maintains mature trees while addressing hazard trees near facilities and trails. Sustainable camping practices are promoted through Leave No Trace educational programs and proper waste management systems. Recent initiatives include energy-efficient facility upgrades, water conservation measures, and stormwater management improvements. The park works collaboratively with local tribes, conservation organizations, and agencies on Salish Sea ecosystem protection and salmon recovery efforts.