Padilla Bay – Ideal year round all weather hike in Skagit County
Last Updated on September 28, 2025
Looking for a year round hike in a beautiful area for every single day of the year no matter the weather? Well, this is it. Not only is this a great hike, there’s lots of amazing food options nearby to make a day out of it or a leisurely lunch stop on the way from Seattle to Vancouver.
At 4 flat miles round trip, this is a perfect outing for those who want to get outside on a wide and flat trail without climbing, rocks, roots but still away from pavement.
The Padilla Bay trail is the homeland of the Upper Skagit and Swinomish People and is very near the Swinomish Reservation.
Parking Pass: None
Dog Friendly: Yes. In addition to welcoming dogs on leash, this area is open and wide, which I find helpful when bringing my somewhat reactive dog with me.
Cell phone coverage: Good
Restrooms: Portapottie at each end of the trail.
Accessibility and Mobility: This trail is excellent for those with limited mobility as it is flat and wide across an elevated dyke above the water. The fences intended to keep out motor vehicles present a barrier for wider wheelchairs.
Related: What to wear for a hike in the Pacific Northwest, What to bring for a hike in the Pacific Northwest
Where is the Padilla Bay Trail?
By far the most challenging thing about this hike is finding the trailheads – there are two, one on the north and one on the south of the trail. Google tends to lead you the wrong way here, as there are a few options with the same name (such as the visitor center, which is in a different location).
The north trailhead is bigger, but requires as short downhill walk and crossing a road without a crosswalk to get to the trail. The south trailhead is tiny but doesn’t have a hill to access the trail.
For the south trailhead, from I-5 take the Highway 20 exit. Turn right on Whitney Bayview Road, which becomes Bayview Edison Road. The trailhead will be on your left.
For the north trailhead, take the same exit but turn right on Best Road (which is just before Whitney/Bayview) and left on Bayview Road which dead ends on Bayview Edison Road. Turn right and then right on 2nd and you’ll see the parking on your left. It’s not labeled, but you’ll see an adjacent business and a portapottie.
When is the best time to hike the Padilla Bay Trail?
This is truly a year round hike that is enjoyable no matter what the weather is doing. I have hiked this trail in most months of the year and all kinds of weather, including wind and rain.
The entire Skagit Valley is very busy in April during the tulip festival – if you’re already up there then this is a great place to get away from the crowds but traffic and every business will be busy in April.
Trail Description
There’s really not too much to say about the trail itself, it’s easy to follow, wide and about two miles long.
If you park at the north trailhead, you’ll need to walk down a slight hill and briefly along the road before finding the trail across the road to the right.
There are some benches along the trail as well if you want to break up the trail and you can turn around anytime to return to your starting point.
Where to stop after your hike?
You’re very close to Bow and Edison, close to several farm to table restaurants, diving pubs and great pizza at Terramar Brewing and Distilling. I also recommend heading to Samish Bay Cheese to pick up all the ingredients for a fancy picnic cheese board.
Electric Vehicle Charging
There are many fast chargers available in Mt Vernon, about 10 miles away from both trailheads.
Related posts:
Best Rainy Day Hikes in Mt Rainier National Park
North Cascades National Park from Seattle: Best Day Trip or Weekend Itinerary
Blue Lake Larch Hike in the North Cascades
Olympic Coast Backpacking at Second Beach: Excellent for Beginners
Crystal Mountain Gondola: Epic Mt Rainier Views
Exploring the Kukutali Preserve in Skagit County
