Hike description: This trail is great for families, birdwatchers, people who like views – views of mountains, water, farmlands. It also offers a lesson in the possibilities for governmental interagency cooperation. The Bay Shore Trail is managed and maintained by Skagit County and by the Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve which, in turn, is managed by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the State Department of Ecology.
From the parking lot, the shore trail drops down and then proceeds on the level along the top of the dike. You’ll follow the trail south past an old barn to the southern trailhead, your turn-around point. Now, with the water on your left as you head north you’ll have different views, making this more than just an in-and-out hike.
When you get back to the car, drive 11/2 miles north to the Breazeale Interpretive Center. Here you’ll find the 0.8 mile Upland Trail, the first half of which is paved; the rest is gravel or dirt. You can download the map and interpretive guide or borrow one from the Interpretive Center. The dozen or so points of interest along the trail provide food for thought for all ages. You also can walk out to the Observation Deck located by the Interpretive Center and from there have access to the beach if the tides are right.
Directions: From Interstate 5, take Exit 230 (Burlington) and drive west on state Route 20 for about seven miles. Turn right onto Bay View-Edison Road (about 1.75 miles west of the junction with state Route 536). Take Bay View-Edison Road for 3 miles to the trailhead on your left. Continue further down the road to Second Street, turn right onto Second and in about 200 feet turn left into the Skagit County Historical Society’s parking area. A road map to the preserve can be downloaded at padillabay.gov/popup_roadmap.asp
Difficulty rating: 1 (1 is easiest, 5 is most difficult)
Miles round-trip: 5.6
Elevation: 30 feet
Best time of year: Year-round
Map: Map and guide at padillabay.gov/pdfs/TrailGuide.pdf; USGS La Conner
Pass: No
Also: Always carry the 10 Essentials, including adequate food, water and clothing for the trip. Practice Leave No Trace and pack out all your own trash, as well as any you find along the way. Be sure to pack waterproof shoes and/or boots if you are likely to be tempted to do some beach walking. Privy available at the Historical Society parking lot. The trail surface is wheelchair accessible and a key to the gate can be obtained at the Interpretive Center (check the website for current information). This trail is open to bicycles and to duck hunting. Check with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife for duck hunting season.
Info: padillabay.gov/default.asp; “Day Hiking North Cascades,” Mountaineers Books.
Hike of the Week is presented by The Mountaineers Tacoma Branch Hiking/Backpacking Committee.
