padilla bay national estuarine research reserve

Gabigabs

You will find lots of interesting information in the visitor center, and once to go our and explore, you will be surrounded by chirping of birds and pleasant scenery. Don't miss the Shore Trail, a 2 mile easy walk along the water passages. It's especially nice during a colorful sunset and blue hour.

sailer2

Just out for a drive and found this place. Really nice and informative just did the visitor center, would go back to do the walk around the grounds.

Larrytwa2014

I love finding all the secret remote sites not talked about. Well peeps talk about this. Find a road and find beach. If you like wild life search for it. I saw numerous birds and cute farm animals are all around this bay. FUN, beautiful on a Sunny day. Not so much a rainy day.

Natenote

It was a cold day, but we brought the kids out to this museum and then headed down for a walk on the beach. We knew the Seahawks would win the Super Bowl, and we don't have cable TV anyway.Got to play checkers with one of my sons in the "hands on" room, while my wife read to the other three children. Learned about local owls. They've done a great job presenting a lot of information on the ecology of the Padilla Bay area.We followed the path to the beach which ran safely under the road, and then down a cool circular metal staircase to the beach

Elynde

I stopped here, almost as if by accident, and really enjoyed myself. I was on a birdwatching excurison and the lady at the desk was very, very helpful. She gave me good information and even helped me identify some of the birds I had photos of. That aquarium is pretty cool too. The starfish are amazing. Go all the way to the back!

alanp639

Lovely part of Skagit County that is often overlooked. Eagles, tide flats, and much more. Views of the countryside. Bayview [old town] is near by.

annbowBow_Washington

Great place to take visitors whether kids or adults. Hands on displays are engaging. The walking trail through uplands is not too long, and very peaceful. Watch for eagles. The beach is very close by and at low tide a delight.

mhmele

A great resource for understanding the bay and there's a private little walk leading right from the exhibits to the water.

lorrainetSeattle

I had been here years ago and although it was pretty, the displays were not much to write home about. Fast forward 5 years and wow- they have done some improvements. The aquarium is beautiful and diverse, the camera where you see the herons is great for kids and adults, the bird calls and the plantstare all interesting and then you can wander to Bayview State Park and the beach.

BaybiePowder

As we left Bow/Edison towards La Conner we stumbled upon this gem. It was strictly donation only. The employee was very helpful and knowledgeable. We asked about one of the fish that was on a wall display, she couldn't answer our questions fully but we were satisfied with the answers she gave. We finished our visit/tour of the facility and was looking at their "gift shop" it wasn't big but I found what I wanted. As we were about to pay, the lady that gave us information on the fish that was on display, well she researched the answer fully and showed us pictures via her laptop and told about her experience with the fish. Now that is going over the top. We really appreciated her going that extra mile.The overall experience was wonderful and the staff (one woman crew at the time, I think) was excellent. We are certainly glad we stopped.Thank you :-)

Podunct

Wonderful place to take kids to explore creatures from the sea. Lots of hands on things. A short trail leads down to the overview of the bay. Another short trail leads into the trees and tall grass for bird watchers. Plan to spend some there as there is a lot to see.