Complete information for Birch Bay

Park overview:

Birch Bay State Park is a 194-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 shellfish resources and offers panoramic views of the Cascade Mountains and Canadian Gulf Islands.


Want to support Washington State Parks? Get involved by joining a friends' group. For more information, visit the Friends' Group web page.

Park hours/updates:

Summer: 6:30 a.m. to dusk.
Winter: 8 a.m. to dusk.

The park is open year round for camping and day use. Some campsites are closed in winter.

Camping:
Check-in time, 2:30 p.m.
Check-out time, 1 p.m.
Quiet hours: 10 p.m. to 6:30 a.m.

Winter Schedule for all Washington State Parks

Agency information:

Don't move firewood: Please protect the Pacific Northwest from invasive species by obtaining or purchasing your firewood at or near your camping destination (within 50 miles). Firewood can carry insects and diseases that threaten the health of our western forests. You can make a difference by buying and burning your firewood locally. For more information, visit online at www.dontmovefirewood.org or the Washington Invasive Species Council website.

Campsite Information:

The park has 147 standard sites (12' x 12') in the forested camping area, 20 water and electric sites, two primative sites, a trailer dump station, eight restrooms (one ADA), and 18 showers (two ADA). Maximum site length is 60 feet (may have limited availability). Campsites are reservable for arrival dates from May 15 through September 15 . To make a reservation, visit online or call (888) CAMPOUT or (888) 226-7688.

Group Accommodations:

The park has one primitive group camp for up to 40 people. Two group camps with five standard sites each. Fees vary with size of the group. To make a reservation, visit online or call (888) CAMPOUT or (888) 226-7688.

2013 camping fees:

Please note that the following general fee information is not customized for each individual park, so not all fees will apply to all parks (for example, primitive campsite and dump station fees listed apply only to parks that have primitive campsites and dump stations).

May 15 – Sept. 15 (peak season)
Primitive campsite and water trail camping: $12
Standard campsite: $23 non-premium site, $26 premium site
Partial-utility campsite*: $30 non-premium site, $35 premium site
Full-utility campsite*: $32 non-premium site, $37 premium site
*Please note: Camping fees during the 2013 peak season are $28 for partial-utility sites and $29 for full-utility sites at Beacon Rock, Lewis & Clark and Schafer state parks. These parks are first come, first served.

Jan. 1 – May 14 and Sept. 16 – Dec. 31 (off-peak season)
Primitive campsite and water trail camping: $12
Standard campsite: $22 for non-premium and premium sites
Partial-utility campsite: $28 for non-premium and premium sites
Full-utility campsite: $29 for non-premium and premium sites

Maximum eight people per campsite.

Second vehicle: $10 per night is charged for a second vehicle unless it is towed by a recreational vehicle. Extra vehicles must be parked in designated campsite or extra vehicle parking spaces.

Dump stations (if available): Year-round dump station fees are $5 per use. If you are camping, this fee is included in your campsite fee.

More about park hours
Check-in time is 2:30 p.m., and check-out time is 1 p.m.
Quiet hours are from 10 p.m. to 6:30 a.m.
Engine-driven electric generators may be operated only between the hours of 8 a.m. and 9 p.m.
Length of stay: You may stay up to ten consecutive days in any one park from April 1 through Sept. 30; the stay limit is extended to 20 days between Oct. 1 and March 31.

To view campsites and facilities reservable at this park, visit the reservation system and campsite maps.

Driving Directions

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


Park address:
5105 Helweg Road
Blaine, WA 98230

From the south:
Take exit #266 off of I-5. Go left on Grandview for seven miles, then right on Jackson Road for 1/2 mile, then turn left onto Helweg.

From the north:
Take exit #266 off of I-5, and turn right onto Grandview for seven miles, then right on Jackson Road for 1/2 mile, then turn left onto Helweg..

Park Maps

To view campsites and facilities reservable at this park, visit the reservation system and campsite maps.

Birch Bay downloadable pdf map #1


List of all downloadable Washington State Park maps.

Park Features

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

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.

Captain Vancouver stopped in Birch Bay during 1792 to calibrate instruments used to map their location and to brew beer, a common staple on the long voyage.

Interpretive opportunities

Birch Bay State Park has an active summer interpretive program, a 1/2 mile Terrell Marsh Interpretive Trail and four interpretive signs throughout the park.

Services/Supplies

Available in the park	Available in the area
• Camping	• Camping • Fishing/hunting • Gasoline • Gifts • Golf • Groceries • Overnight Accommodations • Pay phone • Propane • White gas • Wood • Swimming

A convenience store is one block from the park entrance. Most other services are available within a few miles of the park.

Activities

Trails	Water Activities	Other
• 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

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

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.

Wildlife

Mammals	Birds	Fish & Sea Life
• Deer or Elk • Muskrats • Rabbits • Raccoons • Skunks • Squirrels	• Crows or Ravens • Ducks • Eagles • Geese • Grouse • Gulls • Herons • Hummingbirds • Jays • Owls • Woodpeckers • Wrens	• Clams • Crabs • Mussels • Oysters • Sea Birds • Seals • Starfish • Bullhead • Salmon • Steelhead

Environmental Features

Physical Features		Plant Life
		• Cedar • Douglas Fir • Hemlock • Alder • Birch • Cherry • Maple • Foxglove • Lupines • Berries • Eel Grass • Ferns • Moss or Lichens • Seaweed

Park photo gallery