Birch Bay Waterslides Will Not Open for Summer 2026

BIRCH BAY, Wash. — Birch Bay Waterslides will not open for the 2026 summer season, according to a brief announcement posted on the park’s website. The statement offered no explanation for the closure.

The park’s Facebook and Instagram accounts have remained inactive since the final day of operations in 2025, providing no additional context or updates.

Legal Case Still Pending

The closure comes as a civil lawsuit tied to a 2023 injury continues to move through the courts. The case involves a patron who suffered severe lacerations after a slide panel failure, and a jury trial is scheduled for Aug. 26, 2026, in Whatcom County Superior Court.

While Whatcom County is no longer listed as a defendant, the park’s ownership and several consulting firms remain involved in the litigation.

Pattern of Instability

The 41-year-old water park has faced repeated disruptions in recent years. It closed for most of 2023 and all of 2024 following the slide failure incident. The facility briefly reopened in June 2025 under new management, though operations remained limited.

No timeline for reopening has been provided, and ownership has not publicly addressed whether additional repairs, legal outcomes, or financial considerations factored into the decision.

— PNW Daily

Ongoing Maintenance Concerns

Past inspections identified structural issues including rusted fasteners and cracked concrete. Some slides returned to service during the 2025 reopening.

Others, including the Ramp and Hydro Drop, never received approval to operate.

Uncertain Future

The latest announcement leaves the future of the park unclear. No timeline for reopening has been provided, and ownership has not publicly addressed whether additional repairs, legal outcomes, or financial considerations factored into the decision.