Birch Bay
Say, George, what did you do with the birches?

GETTING THERE...By car: Traveling north or south on I-5, take exits 266
or 270 and follow the signs west. From Blaine you can take Peace Portal
Drive south and follow the signs west.

Photo by Karl King

Think back to movies from the 1950s. Life was simpler then, less harried. That’s what a visit to Birch Bay is like. Located five miles south of Blaine, the center of activity is the tree-lined bay with its miles of sandy beaches. This is a swimmer’s paradise – as the tide rolls in over the sun-warmed sand, the water gets up to bathtub temperatures. Its smooth waters makes for great water skiing and wakeboarding. But above all, Birch Bay is relaxing.

When the tide goes out, you’ll see dozens of people with shovels and pails out in search of razor and manilla clams destined to be bathed in garlic and butter. With its mostly flat terrain, Birch Bay is a great place for running and cycling.

For a change of pace, after biking the bay, head inland for quiet country lanes and long distance views of fields and sky. Locally-owned spa Whisper on the Bay located on Birch Bay Drive, offers even further ways to relax including body wraps, scrubs, massages and tub soaks.

The bay was named by Captain George Vancouver in 1792 in recognition of the black birches he spied. Those trees are long gone, replaced by evergreens along Birch Bay Drive.

The C Shop at the south end of the bay is a candy store, bakery and restaurant and is the place to find out what’s happening in the area. Kids will get a special kick at watching owners Pat and Patricia Alesse making the candy the old fashioned way using time-honored recipes.

Down a bit at the south end of the bay, Birch Bay state park also offers 194 acres of beaches, trees and campgrounds. To be on the safe side, campers would be wise to call ahead for reservations. The Terrell Creek Marsh is one of the few remaining saltwater/freshwater estuaries in north Puget Sound. The park offers interpretive programs regarding various aspects of the local flora and fauna.

Nearby is also the state’s second largest heron rookery. It’s a great place to sit at dusk and watch the herons fly overhead on their way back home. Migratory waterfowl and shorebirds explain why Birch Bay and Blaine was listed as one of Audubon Society’s best places for birding in Washington state.

If you are looking for a faster way to get into the water, hit the Birch Bay Waterslides. Try the Black Hole or the 60 foot Hydrodrop Slide – either one will give you a thrill. Down the street is Miniature World with go-karts, mini-golf and railroad. Nearby are the Semiahmoo and Loomis Trail golf courses; two of the area’s most agreeable and challenging championship courses. Some of the events to look for during the summer are Discovery Days parade and the arts and crafts festival held July 21 and 22. The parade is a hoot - a real small town event that everyone enjoys. On Saturday, June 16 the sandcastle contest is held. Details can be found at www.birchbaychamber.com or by calling 360/371-5004.

Don’t miss:
• Walking out to the water’s edge at low tide.
• Taking a bike ride down a quiet country lane on a sunny day.
• Birch Bay Discovery Days, July 21 & 22. Weekend of family fun
with regional vendors showcasing food, arts & crafts, music, game booths and more. 7878 Birch Bay Drive. All day.
Parade on Saturday at 11 am. on Birch Bay Drive. Call 360/371-5004. www.birchbaychamber.com

Back to Top