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Padilla Bay Shore Trailhead - South
4.7 ★★★★★ 186 Google reviews · Running trail in Mount Vernon, Washington · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Crushed gravel
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Padilla Bay Shore Trailhead - South's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Popular, laid-back trail for walking, running and biking with benches along the way, along with mountain views plus waterfowl.
What runners say about Padilla Bay Shore Trailhead - South
“It is well maintained and has great views especially around sunset.”
“It's such a beautiful place to spend the day, and I encourage everyone to take their cameras!”
“This is a wonderful, easy trail along the sloughs and shoreline of Padilla Bay.”
If you are looking for an easily accessible walking trail, this one id for you. You can bike it but it is a short ride. Breathtaking views of the bay and Skagit farmlands. Birders will love all the birding there. Note, it can get windy along the trail so you may want to bring a jacket. Gravel paths so not too muddy.
The view here is really beautiful in the morning and late afternoon. However, it's a pity that there's a bit noise when people walk because it's an gravel built road, but I'd like to recommend it because the surrounding scenery is great. I took a morning walk with my dog in the morning and rode a bike in the afternoon.
Great place for easy hike or walk with dogs or kids. Nice views of the water, and farmland on the other side of the trails. It’s about 4.5 miles roundtrip. In good days it’s great place to watch sunset, bird watching. Bring extra layer of clothes or a windbreaker if needed. Discovery pass no needed here.
One of my favorite walks, perfect for the first day of a new year! Still a great walk. Evidence of car prowls in the parking lot.
Trail conditions & character
“It's such a beautiful place to spend the day, and I encourage everyone to take their cameras!”
“You will want to use the porta potty at the beginning of the trail by the parking area there is no other.”
“I would say a walker or wheelchair would be able to use this trail strollers, young kids on bikes, big bikes, and dogs are all allowed on this Trail but you must pick up the poop.”
“The trail is gravel and flat which makes for an easy walk jog or bike.”
“However, it's a pity that there's a bit noise when people walk because it's an gravel built road, but I'd like to recommend it because the surrounding scenery is great.”
“I would say a walker or wheelchair would be able to use this trail strollers, young kids on bikes, big bikes, and dogs are all allowed on this Trail but you must pick up the poop.”
Plan your run at Padilla Bay Shore Trailhead - South
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceCrushed gravel — the rail-trail classic: softer than asphalt, still smooth enough for tempo work
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websiteskagitcounty.net
Running trails near Mount Vernon
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Port of Skagit Nature Trails
4.6 ★★★★★ 108 reviews
Easy, flat trails, some with gravel, for hiking, biking, running and dog walking, near an airport.
Tommy Thompson Trail, MARCH'S POINT RD
4.6 ★★★★★ 53 reviews
Scenic pedestrian trail featuring beautiful views of the ocean and a bridge across a sound.
