67°
Partly Sunny
2%
75
Whatcom County, WA · Puget Sound
Birch Bay State Park
5105 Helweg Rd, Blaine, WA 98230
A shallow, south-facing bay eight miles from the Canadian border that warms further than anywhere else on the Washington coast — genuinely swimmable in August, which is rare here. Crabbing, clamming, and windsurfing, with the North Cascades on one horizon and the Canadian Gulf Islands on the other. The half-mile Terrell Marsh trail runs behind the beach.
Today's Conditions
Great day for a beach walk.
Cool but workable
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
Partly sunny, with a high near 67. West southwest wind around 6 mph.
Tonight
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 57. South southwest wind 1 to 5 mph.
Weather
- 67°F air — cool but workable
- Sunny skies — clear conditions
75 /100
great
71 Sunbathe
80 Walk
77 Photo
Best for walking today
Atmosphere
Air Temp
67°F
Partly Sunny
Wind
6 mph
WSW
Rain
2%
This Afternoon
UV Peak
4 Moderate
Peaks 12 PM · burn in ~50m
Burn-free before 10 AM & after 04 PM
Tomorrow
65°F
Mostly Sunny
Water
Water Temp
—
Next Low Tide
11:26 PM
4.6 ft · in 4.1h
Barometer
30.28 inHg
1025 hPa · buoy FRDW1
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
6:39 AM
Sunset
7:37 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
65°
Mostly Sunny
0%
71
65°
Mostly Cloudy
7%
62
68°
Mostly Sunny
10%
73
67°
Mostly Sunny
7%
73
66°
Mostly Sunny
4%
72
68°
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Light Rain
15%
72
What to Bring Today
Nothing unusual - conditions are unremarkable today.
Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).
Beach Info
Parking
Paved day-use lots. Discover Pass required.
Dogs
Leashed dogs allowed.
Entry Fee
WA Discover Pass $10/day or $45/year.
Address
5105 Helweg Rd, Blaine, WA 98230
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Birch Bay State Park today?
Birch Bay State Park shows a live water-quality reading (bacteria levels) and today's swim-safety score at the top of this page, refreshed on every update. No lifeguards are on duty, so check the day's conditions and swim with caution. Always review the current advisories, surf, and rip-current notes before getting in the water.
Is Birch Bay State Park dog-friendly?
Leashed dogs allowed.
Is there an entry fee at Birch Bay State Park?
WA Discover Pass $10/day or $45/year.
Are there lifeguards at Birch Bay State Park?
No lifeguards are stationed at Birch Bay State Park. Swim at your own risk and keep close watch on children.
What amenities are at Birch Bay State Park?
Amenities at Birch Bay State Park include restrooms, showers, drinking water, campground, picnic tables, interpretive trail, shellfish harvesting.
When is the water warmest at Birch Bay State Park?
Puget Sound and the Salish Sea stay cold year-round. Surface temperatures peak in late July and August at roughly 55-62°F, and the deeper channels stay in the low 50s. Swimming is short-dip territory for most people; wetsuits are normal. Shallow, sun-warmed bays like Birch Bay run several degrees warmer than the open Sound.
Where is Birch Bay State Park located?
Birch Bay State Park is in Whatcom County, WA, at 5105 Helweg Rd, Blaine, WA 98230.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS