This is a nice short and easy walk along a scenic estuary...views out across the delta in one direction and views of Mt Baker in the other. We took the trail along the slough northwards up to its end at the Bayview Edison Road and back for a round trip distance of just under 4.5 miles. Total time was a little over 2 hours with photo stops and lunch at the picnic table at the trail's north end. 

Other than a couple of eagles in distant trees, we only saw a few large birds. There was a large heron at the edge of one of the fields and a few snow geese came in low over the slough. This may have been due to the upper part of the slough being mostly frozen over. But, we were rewarded with some nice views of interesting and beautiful ice structures.

It was cold and sunny and really nice, refreshing day out. Nice trail..check it out if you have not already done so. 

Logistics: The parking lot at the south end of the trail has room for 1 or 12 cars and there is a toilet at the trailhead. 

This trail is a stroll. Its the definition of EASY.
The trail was rebuilt this summer , so it’s extra smooth. Zero elevation gain. Well packed earth & small gravel.

The tide was in & the sun was sparkling on the water. A nice breeze. Pleasant.

A few herons & gulls, but the fall birds haven’t arrived yet.

No tractor activity in the adjacent fields, but they’ll be out there soon to get those ‘taters up. (Tho it would be nice if they left them. Last year the field was full of swans gobbling crops never harvested.)

There are ‘cide spray warnings at the trailhead, but it didn’t look or smell like any had happened recently.

My annual summer trip up to visit a friend who lives in Mt Vernon. Took his dog out to this short trail on a smoky and warm day. Tide was way out. All mud flats for as far as you could see, looking toward a hazy Anacortes, Guemes Island, and Samish Island in the distance. Passed about eight other people. Passed a PNT thru hiker--certainly looked very thru hiker. Didn't register at first what he must have been doing until after he passed us. Not too much wildlife--some type of hawk or falcon I didn't get a good ID on, some ravens, and sandpipers. Walked from one end to the other and back. According to the website for the trail, this is 4.5. Forgot to bring my camera, so these shots are from my less than adequate phone. 

Maizie and I had a fantastic time walking along the Padilla bay trail! It was the perfect temperature outside for having minimal shade so it was an extremely nice spot to walk today! The walk itself was very flat and definitely well maintained. It stayed flat and gravely while winding through different views including some nice buildings, tractors working in the fields and the water. There’s more than enough room for people to walk on both sides or have bikers pass safely. The views are very nice and the whole vibe is very serene. It was a wonderful choice for a calming walk today that was a bit outside of our usual routine! Maizie and I really enjoyed visiting today and can’t wait to go back for another walk another day! 

My first time hiking this short but very pretty trail that winds along Padilla Bay. We parked at the Bay View end. There was plenty of parking with a porta potty. You have to walk the road back a short distance before getting to the trailhead. Bikes would be fine on the hard packed dirt path.

There are several benches for sitting along the way but no shade and it was hot! We hiked the full 2.25 miles to the south trailhead (also had a porta potty but in worse shape and no TP) and back.

It's worth a visit and a great walk after filling up at the Lopez Island creamery.