BIRCH BAY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – A Whatcom County summertime staple won’t be stocking up on chlorine and sunscreen this year.

Birch Bay Waterslides’ website states that their park will not be open for the 2026 season. No explanation was given for the decision to stay shut, though the park was open for the full 2025 season without any major issues.

My Bellingham Now previously reported that the park had been sued by a customer who severely injured his leg while going down the Hairpin slide in 2023. Earlier this year, Whatcom County was removed as a defendant in that suit after arguing that health agencies can’t be held liable for the action or inaction of a waterpark.

That lawsuit is scheduled to be tried in front of a jury later this summer.