Padilla Bay is a wonderful place to visit. We went to a kids class this morning at the Breazele Center and arrived early so we walked some of the trails. Part of the trail system is closed due to maintenance/restoration but you can still enjoy a good portion of it. The trails are very nice and partially paved. The meadows are full of flowers and it was amazing with the blue skies and puffy white clouds. The tide was out, so we walked down to Bay View State Park. In all was about 2 miles of walking. 

Great easy hike by the water and with views of the Cascades and Mt. Rainier. Though the parking area was rather small we did not have trouble finding a spot at around 6pm. We spotted a seal around the trailhead too.

Bottom Line:

Awesome spring hike to drink in views of the ocean, San Juan Islands and snow-capped Mt Baker while navigating National Wildlife areas teaming with wintering birds, from eagles to snow geese and owls. The landscape shimmered with fresh growth and flowers, including large fields of daffodils. Springtime in the PNW!!

Stats:

• Distance: ~6 miles
• Duration: 4 hours (lots of bird watching)
• Road/Parking: We hiked a number of recreational sites along greater Padilla Bay, and the parking situation is somewhat different for each. In general, a WA Discover Pass at all sites. From La Conner, head north on La Conner Whitney Rd which, after crossing SR 20, becomes Bayview Edison Rd. Along Padilla Bay, there are a number of different recreational sites, including Padilla Bay Trailhead proper, but we walked five different sites (and actually saw the least wildlife on the Padilla Bay trail itself) including the East and West Samish Units. East Samish Unit (i.e. "East 90") only has parking for about 2 cars, but other sites have plenty of parking.
• Weather: Beautiful sunshine, partly cloudy becoming mostly sunny, 60Fs, no wind, glassy water on the bay; it is late in the season for wintering birds for sure, but there was still lots to see if you knew where to look (one of the reasons we visited a number of different sites).
• Trail: There are long trails at Padilla Bay Trailhead, and the West Samish Unit. Other recreation sites are somewhat smaller. A number are shared with hunters, but that season ended in February, and there are generally designated "safety zones" for hikers/birders. The hiking is mostly flat on grass or gravel dikes. As you can see from the pictures, we saw lots of birds and the odd coyote (many duck species in Padilla Bay, but did not include those pics). Just driving around in this area you will see huge flocks of snow geese, leading to the odd traffic jam (and some locals that have understandably become impatient). We did not see any swans - they may have left for the season. There are beautiful fields of daffodils that provide nice contrast, and of course the tulip festival will kick off in April (little to see at this point). Views of the Cascades, Mt Baker, the San Juan Islands, including Mt Constitution, old barns, flowers and some cute little towns (e.g. La Conner). Padilla Bay trail can also be done on bike. These trails are especially family friendly.
• Takeaway: A wonderful way to spend a warm spring afternoon with mountain and ocean views and lots of wildlife! Classic site to enjoy all that is magical about PNW springtime!

The Short Ear Owls are definitely popular. While most owls are nocturnal, there ones will begin to hunt late in the day (e.g. ~5pm). The one on the post below was still napping a bit, despite the audience! They are definitely fascinating to watch.

Gravel pathway. No obstacles! Beautiful day for a walk on the Levy!

Nice hard pack rock trail along the estuary. Many bird species out.