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Activities and events at Birch Bay

Activities

TrailsWater ActivitiesOther
• 0.5 mi. Hiking Trails
Boating (saltwater)
• 1 boat ramp (saltwater)
• Fishing (saltwater)
• Personal Watercraft (saltwater)
• Swimming (saltwater)
• Clamming
• Crabbing
• Oysters
• 1 Amphitheater
• 1 Basketball Court
• Beach Exploration
• Bird Watching
• 6 Fire Circles
• Interpretive Activities
• Wildlife Viewing



Birch Bay is a popular destination for hard shell clamming and is abundant in Dungeness crab, harvest season normally begins mid-August.

A recreational license is required for fishing and shellfish harvesting at Washington state parks. For regulations, fishing season information or to purchase a recreational license, visit the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife website.


Events

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/timeEvent descriptionState Park
Feb. 17
8 a.m.
2013 Birch Bay International Marathon - 45th Annual Event: Test your endurance by racing along Birch Bay, with views of the Cascade Mountains, White Rock and the Canadian Gulf Islands. The paved course is mostly flat, with a one very short steep climb. Racers will start and finish the race within Birch Bay State Park. This certified race is a qualifier for the Boston Marathon (code WA 06002 BL). Registration and a fee are required for participation. Registration closes Feb. 12. For course details or to register, visit www.birchbaymarathon.com.

Birch Bay
(360) 371-2800
Full list of events at Washington State Parks


Boating Features

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, online, and at parks when staff is available.


Picnic and Day-use Facilities

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.