Padilla Bay is bay located in the U.S. state of Washington, between the San Juan Islands and the mainland. Fidalgo Island and Guemes Island lie to the west of Padilla Bay. Guemes Channel, between the islands, connects Padilla Bay to Rosario Strait. Samish Island lies to the north of Padilla Bay, beyond which is Samish Bay and Bellingham Bay.
In 1791 the Spaniard José María Narváez explored and named Padilla Bay, calling it Seno Padillo, in honor of Juan Vicente de Güemes Padilla Horcasitas, the viceroy of New Spain.
Padilla Bay is a tidal bay. It is entirely flooded at high tide and at low tide mudflats are exposed. These mud flats are habitat for many species of birds and animals. The bay is very shallow. Near Hat Island the bay is only 12ft deep. Part of the estuary tidal flats are contained by dikes built in order to make farmland out of the mudflats. The Swinomish Channel is a salt-water channel in Washington State, United States, which connects Skagit Bay, to the south, and Padilla Bay, to the north, separating Fidalgo Island from mainland Skagit County. In the past, the Skagit River had emptied into Padilla Bay. Using our custom trip planner, Mount Vernon attractions like Padilla Bay Interpretive Center can form part of a personalized travel itinerary.
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Padilla Bay Interpretive Center reviews
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This place is a hidden gem for the Pacific Northwest. The exhibit room is laid out very well - lots of hands-on ways to learn - perfect for kids and adults. Excellent education about the marine life..... more
This place is a hidden gem for the Pacific Northwest. The exhibit room is laid out very well - lots of hands-on ways to learn - perfect for kids and adults. Excellent education about the marine life..... more »
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I have been there for some training in a class as well as have visited it for general education. It is a good place for kids to learn more about the Salish Sea.
I have been there for some training in a class as well as have visited it for general education. It is a good place for kids to learn more about the Salish Sea. more »
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Stopped by while staying at Bayview State Park and it was a lot of fun. I was told by the wonderful fellow manning the touch-tanks that Saturday was the exciting day and it did not disappoint. We got to see them feed the Wolf Eels and Hank the octopus came out of his beer bottle home and gave us a wonderful display of his color changing abilities. There were starfish, urchin and anemones to touch and displays that were entertaining enough, the kids didn't even realize they were learning something. A must see if you're in the area.
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What a cool place. The volunteer at the touch tanks was so knowledgeable and willing to answer endless questions. We could have stared into the tanks for hours. Donations are accepted, but no admission required. Super cool and we will come back!
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