Lily Point is one of the more remarkable parks in Whatcom County, and one of the hardest to casually drop by, because it’s out on Point Roberts, the pene-exclave you can only reach by driving through Canada. The reward for the trip is 262 acres of mature forest, dramatic eroding bluffs and beach access on Boundary Bay. Historically this was an extraordinarily productive Coast Salish reef-net fishery and later a commercial cannery site, and that layered human history is part of what makes it feel different from a standard shoreline park. Today it’s a quiet, mostly undeveloped place for hiking, mountain biking, beachcombing, fishing and crabbing. There are restrooms and parking at the trailhead, but the trails down to the water are steep and it isn’t wheelchair-accessible.

What you’ll find

The park spans forested uplands and tall coastal bluffs that drop to a beach on Boundary Bay, with viewpoints out over the water toward the Canadian Gulf Islands. Trails run through the woods and down to the shore, and they’re open to hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding, with the beach drawing people for fishing, crabbing and shellfishing. Interpretive elements mark the site’s history as a Coast Salish reef-net fishery and, later, a salmon cannery. There are restrooms and a parking area at the top. The bluff trails are steep and can be slick, and erosion is ongoing here, so stay back from unstable edges and keep an eye on the tide if you head down to the beach.

Good for

Hikers, mountain bikers and shoreline explorers who want a wilder, less-manicured park, and anyone with an interest in Coast Salish history or coastal geology. The beach is a draw for crabbing and fishing in season. It’s a strong pick for Point Roberts residents and for visitors already over there. It’s not the right call for strollers, mobility-limited visitors, or a quick spontaneous outing from Bellingham, given the border crossings and the steep trails.

When to go

Summer and early fall give you the best beach weather and the most reliable footing on the bluff trails. Crabbing and fishing follow Washington’s seasons and regulations, so check current rules before you go. Lower tides open up more beach to explore. Bring everything you need, since services on Point Roberts are limited and the park itself is mostly undeveloped.

Getting there

Here’s the catch: Point Roberts is cut off from the rest of the U.S. by Canada, so reaching Lily Point means crossing into British Columbia at the Peace Arch or Pacific Highway crossing, driving through Tsawwassen, and crossing back into the U.S. at the Point Roberts border. Bring a passport or enhanced ID for everyone in the vehicle. Once on the Point, head to the park’s southeast corner, where you’ll find the trailhead parking and restrooms.

A local broker’s take

Point Roberts is a market unto itself, and I’m honest with anyone curious about it: the border situation defines daily life there. Every grocery run, school commute and trip to the mainland U.S. goes through two international crossings, which during the pandemic became a hard lesson for owners. That said, prices reflect the inconvenience, the community is tight, and parks like Lily Point are genuinely world-class for the size of the place. If you’re considering Point Roberts as a getaway or a quieter base, I’d want to walk you through the border realities and the resale picture before you fall for the bluffs.

Good to know

How do I get to Lily Point Marine Park?

Point Roberts is only reachable by land through Canada. From the mainland you cross into B.C., drive through Tsawwassen, and cross back into the U.S. at the Point Roberts border. Everyone in the car needs a passport or enhanced ID.

Can you go to the beach at Lily Point?

Yes. Trails lead down the bluff to a beach on Boundary Bay where people fish, crab and beachcomb. The trails down are steep, the bluffs are actively eroding, and there’s no easy accessible route, so plan accordingly.

What’s the history of Lily Point?

It was one of the most productive Coast Salish reef-net fishing sites on the coast and later the location of a salmon cannery. That layered history is part of what makes the park notable.