The road to Semiahmoo Spit

A sweeping gaze from the Semiahmoo Spit takes in two countries, two mountain ranges, two bodies of water and the varied vessels that ply these Northern sound waters.

The full distance of this land finger is marked by a paved walking path, with natural grasslands flanking both sides. Shallow driftwood beaches rise up on either margin and lone tree snags stand watch to the comings and goings. The full mile of path can be strolled in a half hour, unless your stick-chasing dog slows you at water’s edge. Bring your kayak for a flat paddle within the protected harbor or venture out into the chop of open bay waters. Bicycling is plentiful with some thigh burning hills close by or the welcomed flat lands of the spit’s parkway.

Whatcom County’s first salmon cannery was built on the Semiahmoo Spit in 1881. Ten years later, operating as the Alaska Packers Association, it was the largest of its kind in the world. A vestige of the cannery remains there today in company with the posh grounds of the Inn at Semiahmoo