Free days at state parks: Visit Washington state parks for free. The Discover Pass is not required to visit a state park on ten designated free days in 2013.
The 2013 State Parks free days are as follows:
Jan. 21 – In honor of Martin Luther King Day
March 30 – In honor of Washington State Parks' 100th birthday on March 19
April 27 and 28 – National Parks Week
June 1 – National Trails Day
June 8 and 9 – National Get Outdoors Day and Department of Fish and Wildlife Free Fishing weekend
Aug. 4 – Peak season free day
Sept. 28 – National Public Lands Day
Nov. 9 through 11 – Veteran's Day weekend
Please note: A Discover Pass is still required to access lands managed by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife during State Parks free days. For more information, please visit
www.discoverpass.wa.gov.
| Events |
| Date/time | Event description | State Park |
May 17
6 p.m. |
Salmon Speak: Learn about the integral role of salmon in Puget Sound's economy and ecosystem from Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association (NSEA) experts. This all-ages program explores the lifecycle of salmon and the salmon habitat improvement efforts of NSEA along Terrell Creek. Additional Salmon Speak programs are offered July 5, July 19 and Aug. 2.
|
Birch Bay, Wildlife Theatre
(360) 371-2800 |
May 18
6:30 p.m. |
Amphibian Adventures: Whatcom County Amphibian Monitoring Project (WCAMP) is the offering an evening of fabulous frog frivolity. Learn interesting facts about the collected data of amphibian species in Whatcom County. Then discover how to identify amphibians through all their life cycles. Fun for the whole family. Another presentation of Amphibian Adventures is May 24.
|
Birch Bay, Wildlife Theatre
(360) 371-2800 |
May 18
10 a.m. |
Streamside Walk: Join the experts from Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association for a walk along Terrell Creek. Spot fish while exploring their habitat and testing creek health. Additional Streamside Walks are offered July 6, July 20 and Aug. 3.
|
Birch Bay, Wildlife Theatre
(360) 371-2800 |
May 24
6:30 p.m. |
Amphibian Adventures: Whatcom County Amphibian Monitoring Project (WCAMP) is the offering an evening of fabulous frog frivolity. Learn interesting facts about the collected data of amphibian species in Whatcom County. Then discover how to identify amphibians through all their life cycles. Fun for the whole family.
|
Birch Bay, Wildlife Theatre
(360) 371-2800 |
May 25
7 p.m. |
Hunters of the Sky: Experience live birds of prey up close. Listen and watch as highly skilled volunteer trainers from Sardia Raptor Center show off up to six different winged hunters and provide insight into identification, anatomy of flight, a raptor's role in the environment and much more. Additional Hunters of the Sky programs are offered June 15, June 29, July 20 and Sept. 7.
|
Birch Bay, Wildlife Theatre
(360) 371-2800 |
June 1
6:30 p.m. |
Bears, Wolves and Cougars - OH MY!: Learn about everything bears, wolves and cougars at this hair-raising program. Discover habitat requirements and behaviors of grizzly bears, wolves and other keystone animals and the recovery efforts for grizzle bear in the North Cascade area. Visitors are suggested to arrive early as the seating area fills fast. Presented by Western Wildlife Outreach.
|
Birch Bay, Wildlife Theatre
(360) 371-2800 |
June 7
7 p.m. |
Concerts in the Park - Birch Bay: Enjoy an evening of jazz music and support the next generation of local musicians at Birch Bay State Park. Twenty-seven 6th to 9th grade students from eight Whatcom County schools are performing a concert in the Wildlife Theatre, located in the upper day-use area.
|
Birch Bay, Wildlife Theatre
(360) 371-2800 |
June 8
7 p.m. |
Mason Bee's 101: Explore the importance of Mason bees in the garden. Discover ways to improve at-home yards to support and enhance the health of plants and partner insects. Another Mason Bee's 101 program is offered on July 12.
|
Birch Bay, Wildlife Theatre
(360) 371-2800 |
June 15
7 p.m. |
Hunters of the Sky: Experience live birds of prey up close. Listen and watch as highly skilled volunteer trainers from Sardia Raptor Center show off up to six different winged hunters and provide insight into identification, anatomy of flight, a raptor's role in the environment and much more. Additional Hunters of the Sky programs are offered July 20 and Sept. 7.
|
Birch Bay, Wildlife Theatre
(360) 371-2800 |
June 22
10 - 11 a.m. |
Junior Ranger - Wild about Wildlife: Kids ages 3 to 7 years are welcome to a fun hour of stories and learning. It's similar to a library storytime program, but in the great outdoors of Birch Bay State Park! Dress in play clothes as painting may be part of the program. Participants are suggested to take along a blanket to sit on. Another Wild about Wildlife program is on July 27.
|
Birch Bay, Wildlife Theatre
(360) 371-2800 |
June 28
6:30 p.m. |
Concerts in the Park - Birch Bay: Move and groove to the sounds of Wingin' It, a four-member band featuring the sounds of the fiddle, flute, guitar, piano and octave mandolin. Visitors are suggested to arrive early as the seating area fills fast. Additional Concert in the Park performances are on July 6, July, 13, Aug. 24 and 30. Fun for the whole family.
|
Birch Bay, Wildlife Theatre
(360) 371-2800 |
June 29
7 p.m. |
Hunters of the Sky: Experience live birds of prey up close. Listen and watch as highly skilled volunteer trainers from Sardia Raptor Center show off up to six different winged hunters and provide insight into identification, anatomy of flight, a raptor's role in the environment and much more. Additional Hunters of the Sky programs are offered July 20 and Sept. 7.
|
Birch Bay, Wildlife Theatre
(360) 371-2800 |
July 5
6 p.m. |
Salmon Speak: Learn about the integral role of salmon in Puget Sound's economy and ecosystem from Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association (NSEA) experts. This all-ages program explores the lifecycle of salmon and the salmon habitat improvement efforts of NSEA along Terrell Creek. Additional Salmon Speak programs are offered July 19 and Aug. 2.
|
Birch Bay, Wildlife Theatre
(360) 371-2800 |
July 6
10 a.m. |
Streamside Walk: Join the experts from Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association for a walk along Terrell Creek. Spot fish while exploring their habitat and testing creek health. Additional Streamside Walks are offered July 20 and Aug. 3.
|
Birch Bay, Wildlife Theatre
(360) 371-2800 |
July 6
6 p.m. |
Concerts in the Park - Birch Bay: Listen to a dramatic and entertaining performance of all time classic and dance hits by the Cascade Concert Band. It's an unforgettable experience with more than 40 instruments. Visitors are suggested to arrive early as the seating area fills fast and to take along chairs or blankets. Additional Concert in the Park performances are on July 13, Aug. 24 and Aug. 30. Fun for the whole family.
|
Birch Bay, Wildlife Theatre
(360) 371-2800 |
July 12 and 13
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. |
Painting in the Parks – Birch Bay: Celebrate the centennial of Washington State Parks by painting in the parks. Take a journey through a state park and find artistic inspiration. Then spend the day creating a work in Washington’s great outdoors. On July 12 and 13, participants are welcome to paint at Larrabee and Birch Bay state parks. A full schedule of Painting in the Parks days is available at www.pleinairwashington.com. Presented by the Plein Air Washington Artists.
|
Birch Bay
(360) 371-2800 |
July 13
7 p.m. |
Concerts in the Park - Birch Bay: Feel the spirit of traditional Celtic music at Birch Bay State Park. Celtic Roots is performing two special concerts at the park on July 13 and Aug. 24. Visitors are suggested to arrive early as the seating area fills fast. Additional Concert in the Park performances are on Aug. 24 and 30. Fun for the whole family.
|
Birch Bay, Wildlife Theatre
(360) 371-2800 |
July 19
6 p.m. |
Salmon Speak: Learn about the integral role of salmon in Puget Sound's economy and ecosystem from Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association (NSEA) experts. This all-ages program explores the lifecycle of salmon and the salmon habitat improvement efforts of NSEA along Terrell Creek. Another Salmon Speak program is offered Aug. 2.
|
Birch Bay, Wildlife Theatre
(360) 371-2800 |
July 20
10 a.m. |
Streamside Walk: Join the experts from Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association for a walk along Terrell Creek. Spot fish while exploring their habitat and testing creek health. Another Streamside Walk is offered Aug. 3.
|
Birch Bay, Wildlife Theatre
(360) 371-2800 |
July 20
7 p.m. |
Hunters of the Sky: Experience live birds of prey up close. Listen and watch as highly skilled volunteer trainers from Sardia Raptor Center show off up to six different winged hunters and provide insight into identification, anatomy of flight, a raptor's role in the environment and much more. Another Hunters of the Sky program is offered Sept. 7.
|
Birch Bay, Wildlife Theatre
(360) 371-2800 |
July 26
6 p.m. |
Archaeology of the Pacific Northwest: Join local archaeologist Alfred Reid in a look back in time. Explore the long-term history, diversity and cultural dynamics of the Pacific Northwest through an archaeologist's perspective. Another Archaeology of the Pacific Northwest program is offered on Aug. 9.
|
Birch Bay, Wildlife Theatre
(360) 371-2800 |
July 27
10 - 11 a.m. |
Junior Ranger - Wild about Wildlife: Kids ages 3 to 7 years are welcome to a fun hour of stories and learning. It's similar to a library storytime program, but in the great outdoors of Birch Bay State Park! Dress in play clothes as painting may be part of the program. Participants are suggested to take along a blanket to sit on. Another Wild about Wildlife program is on July 27.
|
Birch Bay, Wildlife Theatre
(360) 371-2800 |
Aug. 2
6 p.m. |
Salmon Speak: Learn about the integral role of salmon in Puget Sound's economy and ecosystem from Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association (NSEA) experts. This all-ages program explores the lifecycle of salmon and the salmon habitat improvement efforts of NSEA along Terrell Creek.
|
Birch Bay, Wildlife Theatre
(360) 371-2800 |
Aug. 3
10 a.m. |
Streamside Walk: Join the experts from Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association for a walk along Terrell Creek. Spot fish while exploring their habitat and testing creek health.
|
Birch Bay, Wildlife Theatre
(360) 371-2800 |
Aug. 9
6 p.m. |
Archaeology of the Pacific Northwest: Join local archaeologist Alfred Reid in a look back in time. Explore the long term history, diversity and cultural dynamics of the Pacific Northwest through an archaeologist's perspective.
|
Birch Bay, Wildlife Theatre
(360) 371-2800 |
Aug. 17
7 p.m. |
Bats of the Pacific Northwest: Are you curious about bats? Learn all about these nocturnal residents of the Pacific Northwest at a special Birch Bay State Park interpretive program.
|
Birch Bay, Wildlife Theatre
(360) 371-2800 |
Aug. 23
7 p.m. |
Creating a Backyard Habitat: Participate in the discussion about improving backyard gardens to support and enhance the health of plants and partner inspects. Learn about the importance of alternative pollinators, such as Mason bees, and more.
|
Birch Bay, Wildlife Theatre
(360) 371-2800 |
Aug. 24
7 p.m. |
Concerts in the Park - Birch Bay: Feel the spirit of traditional Celtic music at Birch Bay State Park by Celtic Roots. Visitors are suggested to arrive early as the seating area fills fast. Another Concerts in the Park performace is Aug. 30.
|
Birch Bay, Wildlife Theatre
(360) 371-2800 |
Aug. 30
6:30 p.m. |
Concerts in the Park - Birch Bay: Move and groove to the sounds of Wingin' It, a four-member band featuring the sounds of the fiddle, flute, guitar, piano and octave mandolin. Visitors are suggested to arrive early as the seating area fills fast. Fun for the whole family.
|
Birch Bay, Wildlife Theatre
(360) 371-2800 |
Sept. 7
|
Hunters of the Sky: Experience live birds of prey up close. Listen and watch as highly skilled volunteer trainers from Sardia Raptor Center show off up to six different winged hunters and provide insight into identification, anatomy of flight, a raptor's role in the environment and much more.
|
Birch Bay, Wildlife Theatre
(360) 371-2800 |
There is one boat launch available at the park.
A daily watercraft launching permit for $7 and a daily trailer dump permit for $5 is available at the park.
Annual permits also may be purchased at State Parks Headquarters in Olympia, at region offices,
, and at parks when staff is available.
There is one kitchen shelter with electricity and water; first come, first served. A reservable group day-use area includes a picnic shelter and accomodates up to 125 guests. Call the park to reserve at (360) 371-2800. The park has six sheltered and 120 unsheltered picnic tables.
