Birch Bay State Park

Birch Bay State Park is a state park located along the saltwater Birch Bay in Washington that spans several hundred acres. The grounds offer forested campsites, beach areas for swimming, and exploration areas along creeks and wetland habitat.

The area was originally home to Semiahmoo, Lummi, and Nooksack peoples before European settlers arrived. In the 1800s, loggers used the land to harvest large coniferous trees with oxen teams.

The name comes from botanist Archibald Menzies, who explored this area in 1792 and noticed the numerous black birch trees growing here. You can still see these trees today when walking through the park.

The park provides camping right along the water, with some sites offering water and electrical connections, and shower facilities available throughout. Bring a park pass or permit since a vehicle fee is required to enter.

The Terrell Creek Marsh within the park is one of the few remaining places along northern Puget Sound where freshwater and saltwater naturally mix. This rare ecosystem attracts bird and fish species that you rarely see elsewhere in the region.

Location: Washington

Website: https://parks.wa.gov/170/Birch-Bay

GPS coordinates: 48.90278,-122.76528

Latest update: December 12, 2025 07:53