Semiahmoo

A Beach Getaway in the NW Corner of the PNW

Mustard yellow is an unusual paint color for a large hotel, but it perfectly matches the summer drifts of wild yarrow that surround the Semiahmoo Resort in Blaine, Washington.

The hotel drapes its rambling sunny façade with enormous hanging baskets of pink and purple petunias.

Bicycles are free to use for hotel guests, and there is a lovely flat paved trail to ride on.

Tucked into the upper left corner of the upper left state of Washington, just under the Canadian border, a narrow sand spit curves between graveled beaches. Beyond the public park at the base of the spit the only road passes by a number of large waterfront condo buildings of assorted architectural styles fronted by irrigated green lawns. Semiahmoo Resort Hotel anchors the end of the spit, with Boundary Bay to the west and Drayton Harbor on the east.

In the late 1890’s the Alaska Packers Association opened a salmon cannery on the spit to take advantage of the plentiful natural fish resources, which had nurtured Northwest coastal Salish peoples such as the Semiahmoo and Lummi tribes. Eventually the cannery was closed, but some of the old buildings were refurbished as part of the resort, while warehouses and docks remain abandoned on the waterfront. A water tower still stands like a revered piece of sculpture, or perhaps a big metal time stamp.

The disintegrating pilings of a vanished pier are very spikey.

vintage siding

The clothes hangers seem out of place.

A waterfront view and beachside dining are available at this simple building reclaimed for a restaurant.

Northwest beaches are famous for their ubiquitous piles of downed timber driftwood.

The beer battered fish and chips were light and crispy.

At low tide you can walk around and under the docks.

A marina with a snack bar and gift shop is a short walk from the hotel.

Dahlia gardens decorate the marina grounds.

The resort includes a spa and heated pool, quiet in the morning with the water tower standing sentinel.

Ah . . . the beach. The pebbly kind that goes on forever with lots of shells and interesting rocks to slip into your pocket.

a snack for a seagull

A gathering of Great Blue Herons feasting on an early morning low tide breakfast buffet.

The hotel offers picturesque wedding venues, with lawn or pier to choose from.

When you want a view of Canada while getting hitched in the USA.

The resort atmosphere is relaxed and family centered; children and dogs are welcome. Expanses of lawn invite playing and running for the little ones and the big chess board is popular for all ages. Adirondack chairs are plentiful and as the sun goes down s’mores are passed out around multiple campfires.

Semiahmoo Resort ~ 9565 Semiahmoo Parkway, Blaine, Washington

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