Needed to kill some time before I could check into a hotel, so decided to head out to Padilla Bay for a short walk. 

Arrived at the south trailhead around 3:00 p.m., and there were only about five cars parked there. Hit the trail, but it was right at low tide so not a lot of water in the slough, and because it was so hot (~90) most creatures were also hiding.

Walked along the trail to the small signage area (~1 mile from the trailhead), sat for a bit before heading back. Overall, we clocked in 1.98 miles and 105' vertical (although not really sure where that came from, as it is basically flat). Only saw one hawk along the way and about 10 blooming flower species. The berries were ripe, but to reach them, you had to risk it all, as they appeared accessible but were hiding a drop-off.

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Beautiful day! Headed for a short stroll at Padilla Bay in the afternoon. Got to the trail head at 3pm and there was plenty of parking.

Unfortunately, it was at low tide and very hot, so not much wildlife to be seen (we've seen otters frolicking at dusk here before so were longing for that). We did a short, 1 mile one-way stroll to an area that has benches and tables. We sat for a short bit and took in the sites, before heading back.

There are delicious berries here - we were able to snag 2, but for the most part, they are tantalizing out of reach due to some ditches and available only to the birds.

Beautiful day for a hike on the Padilla Bay Trail in Skagit County off Highway 20 between Burlington and Anacortes. Trail is 4.25 miles long roundtrip and very flat. The trail is all dirt and gravel with no big rocks. Bikers, Hikers and Joggers can be found. There is total sun exposure with little to no shade and no water so bring a hat and plenty of water if hiking later in the day. Lots of birds can be found especially during migration season.

Checkout the video of this hike below or checkout my Vimeo Channel Link below with over 400 other hikes I have done in Washington and beyond.

As always get out and see this beautiful state and enjoy your hiking.

Take Care,

Mike

I fell off a running horse last week and messed up my right hip. Do this flat trail was a perfect recovery hike. Lots of neogastropods on the mudflats. Bald eagle and heron. Easy and relaxing. 

A nice mellow walk along this flat easy path was needed, perfect weather too! The tide was way out and we did not see much in the way of wildlife today. Killdeer, Northern harrier, a juvenile eagle and a few little bush birds was about it.  No herons which surprised me, I have always seen them here in the past. Warning, if you have any allergies to pollen, be prepared! When the wind came up my eyes started watering so bad that I could barely see, and I normally don't have a huge problem (except cottonwoods). The combo of grass, shrubs, willow and blackberry must have been too much. Loos at both ends stocked and clean as of today.