Birch Bay is a wonderful home base for boating, with calm water, easy launches, and the San Juan Islands within reach. Here is where to get on the water.
Keep your boat nearby and a spontaneous day on the water becomes simple. These are the launches and spots locals rely on.
Quick answer
The main public launch is at the south entrance of Birch Bay State Park, which needs a Discover Pass and a launch permit. Blaine Harbor and Semiahmoo offer convenient access too, opening up the bay, the Strait of Georgia, and the San Juan Islands.
Why Birch Bay is a great base
Calm water, crabbing and clamming, and easy reach to bigger adventures make Birch Bay a favorite for boaters. With your boat stored nearby, you spend less time hauling and more time on the water.
Where to launch and explore
Birch Bay State Park launch
The launch at the south entrance of Birch Bay State Park is the local go-to. Plan to carry an Annual Discover Pass plus a launch permit, or a one-day Discover Pass with a daily launch permit. It is a short, well-signed drive off I-5.
Blaine Harbor and Semiahmoo
Just up the road, Blaine Harbor and Semiahmoo add more access and amenities. They are handy starting points for longer trips and a pleasant stop in their own right.
Reaching the San Juans
From the bay, the San Juan Islands are within reach for day trips and weekends. Clear water, quiet coves, and island stops make the run one of the best in the region.
Crabbing, clamming, and the Plover
Birch Bay is known for crabbing and clamming in season, and the historic MV Plover passenger ferry between Blaine and Semiahmoo is a fun, scenic outing for the family on summer weekends.
Before you launch
- Discover Pass and the right launch permit
- A quick check of the tide and weather
- Safety gear aboard and a float plan shared
- Boat pulled from nearby storage and ready to roll
Keep the boat close to the water
The best boating days are the unplanned ones. Storing your boat minutes from the launch in Birch Bay means you can hitch up and go, instead of making a project out of every trip.
Why owners store with Breakwater
Breakwater Storage sits in lovely Birch Bay, close to I-5, the launches, and the border, with gated and secure access, easy room to maneuver a trailer, on-site management, and a hassle-free month-to-month contract. We have kept boats and RVs ready to roll since 2005.
What to tell us when you call
- Your boat’s length on the trailer, including the tongue and motor
- How often you expect to come and go through the season
- When you would like to start storing
Keep your boat ready for the next trip
Call or message us for current rates and availability. Storage at Breakwater is month to month, with no long lock-in.
Call (360) 332-9600 Message Us