Birch Bay State Park is home to stunning beaches, lush forests, and abundant wildlife, Birch Bay State Park is a stunning destination with miles and miles of oceanside to explore, clamming opportunities, and several hiking trails. You'll also have a few different nearby RV and tent-camping sites to choose from.
From the best hiking trails to the best restaurants, you’ll find everything you need to know about enjoying this beautiful state park.
Key Information about Birch Bay State Park
Location: Whatcom County, Washington
Nearest Town: Blaine
Hours: Open year-round from 6:30 a.m. in summer and 8:00 a.m. in winter to dusk.
Size: 194-acres, 8,000+ feet of shoreline
Fees/Permits: A Discover Pass is needed to park and use the state park.
Family Friendly? Yes.
Pet Friendly? Yes.
Best Feature: The shoreline and clamming opportunities
Things to Do
At Birch Bay State Park, visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities that make this often-overlooked state park feel like a hidden gem.
Hiking
Swimming
Wading
Boating
Picnicking
Shopping
Camping
Clamming and shellfishing are also popular things to do at Birch Bay State Park.
Keep reading for an in-depth description of some of these awesome activities.
Clamming at Birch Bay State Park
Birch Bay is a fantastic, popular place to go clamming. It's easy to access and has beautiful shallow water. If you decide to visit, make sure to check the regulations ahead of time. It's also possible that certain parts of a particular beach might be closed for one reason or another, so make sure to check any posted signage and follow all regulations.
Camping at Birch Bay State Park
Beachside RV Park
This is a popular RV camping area near the state park. It's located in Blaine with views of the water. We highly recommend making a reservation before visiting. There are 72 sites, showers, laundry facilities, barbecue pits, and picnic tables (among other awesome amenities).
Ball Bay View RV Park
Ball Bay View RV Park is another great camping option. It's located only a few hundred yards from the water and offers 40 RV sits. You can reserve your stay nightly, weekly, or monthly. They offer fire pits, games, a TV lounge, and Wifi.
Birch Bay State Park Campground
The Birch Bay State Park Campground is the most popular camping area near the park. There are 147 sites, 20 of which have partial hookups. There are also restrooms, showers, and a group site. Reservations are possible from May to September.
Best Restaurants Near Birch Bay State Park
Here are a few of our favorite places to eat near Birch Bay State Park:
Bay Cafe at Birch Bay
Uli's Restaurant
Scampi Osteria
CJ's Beach House
Hiking Trails Nearby
There are a few different hiking trails, for different skill levels, near the park. Here are our recommendations:
Terrell Marsh Trail - an easy 0.6-mile trail that takes you through the Terrell Marshes.
Aldergrove Road and Point Whitehorn Road - a 5.5-mile trail that's almost completely flat.
Point Whitehorn Trail - a short, easy trail near Blaine. It's 1.6 miles.
State Parks Nearby
Nearby, you can also explore the following state parks:
Peace Arch Historical State Park
A 19-acre day-use area that's located on the border of the US and Canada. Its main feature is the historical Peace Arch.
Matia Island Marine State Park
A 145-acre marine park on the Strait of Georgia. It offers over 20,000 feet of shoreline and is part of the San Juan Islands.
Moran State Park
A 5,400-acre state park that offers more than 150 campsites and five swimming lakes. The nearest town is Olga, Washington.
Tips for Visiting
1. Check the weather before you visit Birch Bay State Park to make sure you're prepared for the day's conditions.
2. Bring your camping gear if you plan on staying overnight! Camping is a great way to explore the park and all its offerings.
3. Be sure to research the rules and regulations before engaging in any activities such as clamming.
4. Pack lots of snacks and drinks to keep you going throughout the day.
5. Keep an eye out for wildlife while exploring Birch Bay State Park - you never know what you might find!
6. Wear comfortable, waterproof shoes that can handle sand, dirt, and mud.
7. Make sure to bring your sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun's rays.