Birch Bay Area Guidebook

If you are going to BC and have seen the Peace Arch before use the Pacific Hwy crossing. It is just a mile or so East of Peace Arch and often has shorter wait times. It is also referred to as the "truck crossing" but there are plenty of lanes for passenger cars.

If you are in town on Saturday head into Bellingham and check out the farmers market on Railroad Ave. It's open each week. Arrive early for best selection

Before collecting clams, mussels and oysters double check with the Washington Fish and Wildlife website that you are harvesting the correct species in season and that there is not a red tide warning for the area. Signs are generally posted down the beach but the website is often the quickest way to get information before gearing up for a harvesting trip. You can also get a day license online. If you prefer to buy one in person the Bay Center has them as well as Pacific Building Center in Blaine.

We do! Two Kayaks are available to rent for a modest additional charge. Just ask your host.

Cabana guests have access to two beach cruiser bikes available at no cost. Birch Bay Drive and the new Boardwalk are an ideal place to get out on two wheels and explore the area. Ask your host for details.

During summer the Plover ferry runs daily from Blaine Marina to Semiahmoo Resort. It's a fun and relaxing ride on the historic little ferry boat. Enjoy a tasty lunch at the resort and hear a little history of the region while aboard the Plover. The fare to ride the Plover is less than $10/pp round trip.

The technical term for the environment here in the Pacific NW is "Temperate Rainforest". Which means that rain is possible any time of year. It's also why everything here is so green. We can have very mild days in winter and wet/cool days in summer. But we can also have frigid cold in winter and blazing hot temps in summer. The weather here will definitely keep you guessing. That's why locals often pack both a raincoat AND sunglasses when they go out. Tackle the NW weather by packing clothes which can be layered. That way, as conditions change...so can you.

Birch Bay is one the best areas in the Puget Sound for catching Dungeness Crab. The season typically begins mid-August. It doesn't take special skill just a little local knowledge which I am happy to offer. Here's a list of things you'll need: - A Washington State Crab Fishing License - A crab trap/crab pot with bait box - A rope and buoy - crab bait Birch Bay is so shallow a boat isn't required. You can catch crab just by walking out on the bay at low tide. If you want to try your luck let me know and I'm happy give you detailed instruction on how to catch your own dinner.

Was that Bigfoot? Also known as Sasquatch the mythical creature has been part of local legend and storytelling for time immemorial. You may just see “Squatch” which is what his friends call him if you go to Blaine. In reality, it’s a resident who has a very realistic costume and enjoys walking around downtown Blaine in it to amuse the locals and tourists alike. He has a way of sneaking up on you and may give you a little surprise. But don’t worry he’s friendly and will even pose for pictures with you.

I often get asked about making beach fires here at Birch Bay. And it is OK at any of the Public Beaches. These will be marked with signs and accompanying parking. Though you may not collect and burn beach wood so pick up a bundle of firewood at the store. Beach wood or driftwood is bad for the environment. A lot of it has come from garbage barges and may contain toxic substances. It burns poorly in any case. Save your lungs and frustration and buy a bundle of firewood at the store. I have buckets for dousing your fire when you're ready to call it a night - just ask