The Hiker Mama

Semiahmoo Spit

Distance: 1.6 miles round trip

Elevation Gain: Minimal

Season: Year-round

Maps: This map has parking locations and restrooms, plus the trail.

Description: If you’re looking for a flat and gentle trail, with views of the water and mountains, this is one you should consider. The bonus is that you’re practically guaranteed to see lots of birds (including eagles!) and you can incorporate time to play at the beach. Park at the Semiahmoo Park, where there are restrooms and picnic tables, and cross the street to find the paved trail. Walk along the spit, taking in views of Drayton Harbor and Blaine. At about 0.8 miles, you can cross over the street to the other side of the spit and walk back along a gravel trail (the trail does peter out for a little bit, so that you’ll need to walk along the beach for a short section. Bring binoculars and a bird book to identify what you are seeing, throw rocks in the water, and breathe in the salty fresh air. The paved portion of the trail is suitable for strollers or little bikes, and there are paved sections that continue on to the end of the spit, through the resort. In the summer months you can take a ferry between the spit and downtown Blaine.

Directions: Semiahmoo Spit is located off of Exit 270 on I-5, Birch Bay/Linden Rd. It is north of Bellingham. Take a right on Peace Portal Dr., and at the light take a sharp left onto Blaine Rd., Hwy 548. Cross Dakota Creek, and take a right onto Drayton Rd. Turn right onto Drayton Harbor Rd. Follow this road through the housing developments, then turn right onto Semiahmoo Parkway. As you descend from the headland down onto the spit, watch for the park on the left. Semiahmoo Park is well signed, and no permits are needed. The address is 9261Semiahmoo Parkway, Blaine, WA.

Links: Read our Trip Report from our visit. Read the WTA description of this hike. Learn about how you can take a trip on a restored passenger ferry from the dock in Blaine across the harbor to the Spit.