Padilla Bay Shore Trail

Padilla Bay Shore Trail is a 2.25 bicycle and pedestrian pathway. Located along the estuary of the Skagit River, this area is the most diverse, least disturbed and most biologically productive of all major estuaries on Puget Sound. This estuary at the saltwater edge of the Skagit River delta is eight miles long and three miles across, and you can travel a portion of it. This hike can be enjoyed by almost anyone in any season. The easy flat trail make this an ideal hike for many hikers. Birders will definitely want to bring the binoculars!

Padilla and Samish Bay support one of the largest known wintering populations of peregrine falcons in North America, including one endangered subspecies.  Ten types of raptors winter in the western portion of the County: some species include the peregrine, merlins, and snowy owls.  It is reported that all five species of falcon have been observed in the Padilla Bay area on the same day.

Photo ©Andy Porter Photography