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Washington
12

Washington State Parks

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USA Parks
Washington
North Cascades Region
Birch Bay State Park
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Birch Bay State Park Tranquility © Tricia Jones
Birch Bay State Park Loop road at Birch Bay State Park © Brian and Tricia Jones
Late September 2009...the park was practically empty.
Birch Bay State Park Our 5ver and truck... © Brian and Tricia Jones
It was late September....and we practically had the whole park to ourselves. We like off season and avoid weekends...usually.
Birch Bay State Park View of Birch Bay © Tricia Jones
Peeking through trees at the saltwater shoreline on Birch Bay, WA
Birch Bay State Park View from our campsite... © Brian and Tricia Jones
Recently spent a few beautiful Fall days here at our local Birch Bay State Park. First visit in our 5th Wheel, but have been there before in our C-Class.
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BIRCH BAY STATE PARK
BIRCH BAY STATE PARK
5105 Helweg Road
Blaine, Washington   98230
(lat:48.9034 lon:-122.7657) map location

Phone: 360-371-2800
Reservations: 888-226-7688
Birch Bay State Park is a 664-acre camping park with 8,255 feet of saltwater shoreline on Birch Bay and 14,923 feet of freshwater shoreline on Terrell Creek. The park is rich in archeological significance and offers panoramic views of the Cascade Mountains and Canadian Gulf Islands. The Terrell Creek Marsh is one of the few remaining saltwater/freshwater estuaries in north Puget Sound. The park features nearly two miles of beach and great views of the Canadian Gulf Islands and the Cascade Mountains. A natural game sanctuary is at the park's north end.

History of the Area
Birch Bay was named by botanist Archibald Menzies for its abundance of black birch trees. Menzies was on the 1792 Vancouver expedition. Archeological evidence indicates that the bay was inhabited by Semiahmoo, Lummi and Nooksack tribes since prehistoric times. At the turn of the 20th century, the huge fir trees of the area were logged with oxen and horse teams. Large old-growth stumps, with spring-board marks, remain as evidence.
Passes
A Discover Pass is required for vehicle access to Washington state parks for day use. For more information about the Discover Pass and exemptions, please visit the Discover Pass web page.
Camping
The park has tent spaces 12' x 12' in the forested camping area, plus utility spaces, an RV dump station, eight restrooms, and showers two ADA. Camping areas are subject to availability, and reservations are accepted for summer camping.



Picnicking
There is one kitchen shelter with electricity and water call to reserve. The park has six sheltered and 120 unsheltered picnic tables.
Trails
1. Terrell Creek Loop Trail: This 2-mile loop trail offers a moderate hike through lush forests and along the shoreline of Birch Bay.

2. Nautical Shellfish Beach Walk: A flat, easy walk that stretches for about 0.5 miles along the beachfront with views over to Semiahmoo Spit.

3. Point Whitehorn Marine Reserve Trails: Located near Birch Bay State Park, this network of trails spans approximately two miles in total length featuring stunning coastal scenery and diverse wildlife habitats.

4. The BP Heron Center Nature Trails: These are short interpretive nature trails located within walking distance from park's campground area offering educational signs on local flora & fauna.

5. Birch Bay Drive Pedestrian Pathway: Although not technically a hiking trail, it is an excellent option for those looking to enjoy scenic walks or bike rides alongside beautiful bay vistas.

6. Terrell Marsh Interpretative Trail: An accessible boardwalk path leading you into marshland habitat where birdwatching opportunities abound.

7. Semiahmoo Spit Walking Paths: Just outside state park boundaries but worth mentioning due its close proximity; these paths offer leisurely strolls around Drayton Harbor's edge while observing marine life.

8. Padden Lagoon Nature Area Hiking Routes: Another nearby location boasting several small yet picturesque routes winding through wetlands teeming with birds species.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
January 5
park review stars; one to five I love Beachwood Resort Campground in Birch Bay
January 5 I love Beachwood Resort Campground
park review stars; one to five I love Beachwood Resort Campground located next door.
May 1 Loved it!
park review stars; one to five Great park! had an awesome time!
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Area Campgrounds
The Cedars RV Resort
6336 Portal Way
Ferndale, WA
360-384-2622
Sun Retreats Birch Bay
5001 Bay Road
Blaine, WA
360-371-5006
Thousand Trails Birch Bay
8418 Harborview Road
Blaine, WA
360-371-7432
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
Located 20 miles north of Bellingham, Wash., and ten miles south of Blaine, Wash., near the Canadian border in Whatcom County.

From the south:Take exit #266 off of I-5. Go left on Grandview for seven miles, then right on Jackson for one mile, then turn left onto Helweg.

From the north:Take exit #266 off of I-5, and turn right onto Grandview.

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Washington
12

Washington State Parks

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