Birch Bay carves a semi-circle out of Puget Sound, just nine miles south of the U.S.-Canada border. This peaceful spot shows off views of the North Cascades and Canada’s Gulf Islands⁠—and features epic sunsets on clear days. Visitors can head to the beach at low tide to harvest oysters and clams, take a dip in the relatively warm water on a hot day, spot birds at Terrell Marsh, and set crab pots. Campsites at the sole Birch Bay Campground are tucked away in the forest, a short walk from the beach.

• All of the campsites at Birch Bay State Park are reservable for arrival dates from May 15 to September 15.
• The park is open year round for camping, though some campsites are closed in winter. 
• All reservations can be made nine months in advance at most.

Birch Bay State Park is open year round. It’s most busy on summer weekends and holidays, though summer weekdays can be busy, too. Spring and fall are quieter, with fewer crowds and campsites readily available without much advance planning. The park is very popular for crabbing, with harvest usually beginning in mid-August. 

• If you plan to go crabbing or shellfishing at Birch Bay, be sure to buy a recreational license through the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
• The city of Bellingham, where you can stock up on essentials, is a short 20-minute drive away.
• The half-mile Terrell Marsh Interpretive Trail is one of the few remaining saltwater/freshwater estuaries in the area, and is a great spot to look for a variety of birds.
• The park requires visitors to purchase a Discover Pass for entry. Birch Bay has an automated pay station to buy a one-day or annual Discover Pass.