The Birchwood Neighborhood is located in the northwest area of Bellingham. Historically, the neighborhood consisted of many small farms on large lots located on the edge of the city. The original single-family residential character can still be found here, primarily in the western section of the neighborhood.

Many residents in the Birchwood area live in apartment complexes located near the main roads of the neighborhood, Northwest Avenue, W. Maplewood Avenue, and Birchwood Ave. These apartments are located close to the Park Manor shopping area.

The Bellingham Golf & Country Club has an 18-hole course and outdoor swimming pool in the northeastern corner of the neighborhood. The Squalicum Creek greenbelt forms the southern border the neighborhood. Birchwood Elementary School, Shuksan Middle School and the Bellingham Technical College are all located in this neighborhood.