Birch Bay State Park
🏖️ 8,000 Feet of Saltwater Beach — Crabbing, Clamming, and Cascade Mountain Views Near the Canadian Border — A 194-acre Washington state park with 8,000 feet of Birch Bay shoreline, camping, crabbing, clamming, Terrell Creek marsh birding, North Cascades views, and proximity to the Canadian border — 20 minutes north of Bellingham, Whatcom County, Washington
Birch Bay State Park stretches along 8,000 feet of saltwater shoreline on one of Washington’s warmest bays — just 10 miles from the Canadian border and 20 minutes north of Bellingham. The park is a crabbing and clamming destination with forested campsites, a freshwater creek, excellent birding, and views of the North Cascades and Canadian Gulf Islands across the water.
The bay’s shallow, sun-warmed waters make it one of the warmest saltwater swimming spots in Washington State. At low tide, the mudflats extend hundreds of yards — perfect for clamming. Terrell Creek winds through the park’s interior, creating freshwater wetlands that attract herons, eagles, and migratory birds.
What to Do
| Activity | Details | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Camping | Standard + hookup sites | Forested, some ocean views |
| Beach | 8,000ft saltwater shore | Warm bay, swimming seasonal |
| Clamming | Mudflats at low tide | WA license required, seasonal |
| Crabbing | Birch Bay | WA license, daily limits apply |
| Birding | Terrell Creek marsh | Herons, eagles, waders, migrants |
| Kayaking | Bay + Terrell Creek | Calm, sheltered waters |
| Picnicking | Shelters + beach areas | Playground, basketball court |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Weather | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | 60–78°F | Beach, swimming, crabbing, warm bay |
| Spring (Apr–May) | 45–62°F | Clamming, birding, wildflowers, quiet |
| Fall (Sep–Oct) | 48–62°F | Crabbing, birding migration, foliage |
| Winter (Nov–Mar) | 35–48°F | Storm watching, eagle viewing, quiet camping |
💰 Trip Cost Estimator
| Expense | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Campsite | $25–$35/night | Forested sites |
| Discover Pass | $10/day or $30/year | Required for WA state parks |
| Shellfish License | $15–$30 | Required for clamming/crabbing |
| Weekend Beach Trip | $60–$80 | 2 nights + beach + clamming + Cascade views |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I dig for clams here?
Yes — the mudflats are prime clamming territory. At low tide, the flats extend far out into the bay. You need a valid Washington WDFW shellfish license and must follow seasonal opening dates and daily limits.
How close to Canada?
About 10 miles. The Peace Arch border crossing is a quick drive north. Bring your passport and you can visit White Rock, BC or Vancouver for a day trip.
Is the water warm enough for swimming?
It’s one of the warmest saltwater spots in Washington. Birch Bay’s shallow, sun-warmed water makes it comfortable for summer swimming — much warmer than most Pacific Northwest beaches.
🏖️ Washington’s Warmest Beach
8,000 feet of shoreline, clamming at low tide, crabbing in the bay, Cascade mountain views, and camping 10 miles from Canada.
Wildlife & Nature
Birch Bay State Park — 194 acres along Birch Bay in Whatcom County near the Canadian border — protects one of the warmest saltwater swimming beaches in Washington. The park’s Terrell Creek estuary provides critical habitat for migrating shorebirds — including dunlin, western sandpipers, and black-bellied plovers — that refuel here during Pacific Flyway migration. Terrell Creek Marsh supports beaver, river otter, and great blue heron colonies. Bald eagles nest in the mature conifers above the beach. The bay’s shallow, sun-warmed waters support extensive eelgrass meadows that serve as nurseries for young salmon and Dungeness crab. Harbor seals and occasional gray whales are spotted offshore.
Nearby Attractions
Birch Bay Waterslides is adjacent for family fun. Peace Arch State Park — 15 miles south at the US-Canada border — is unique as the only park shared between two nations. Semiahmoo Spit offers beachcombing. Bellingham is 20 miles south with Western Washington University, Fairhaven Historic District, and Chuckanut Drive. Larrabee State Park — Washington’s first state park — is 30 miles south.
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