SADDLEBAG ISLAND STATE PARK
Saddlebag Island is a 26-acre marine park located in Padilla Bay with 6,750 feet of shoreline. The park is named for the two rocky knobs separated by a narrow saddle of land that form the shape of the island.
Saddlebag Island was originally mapped by the United States Exploring Expedition of 1841 led by American explorer and naval officer Charles Wilkes. The island was labelled by Wilkes as one of the Porpoise Rocks, the other two being the present-day Dot and Huckleberry Islands. The origin of the name Saddlebag is unknown, but it likely derives from the shape of the island.
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission purchased Saddlebag Island from a private citizen for use as a park in 1974.
- T Walker
A Discover Pass is required for vehicle access to Washington state parks for day use. For more information about the Discover Pass and exemptions, please visit the
Discover Pass web page.
The park has four primitive campsites and one composting toilet. Camping is available on a first come, first served basis. Campers must self-register and pay fees at the bulletin board / pay station. One campsite is part of the Cascadia Marine Trail and for the exclusive use of those arriving by human- or wind-powered watercraft.
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Saddlebag Island State Park is located on Puget Sound in Skagit County. There are no mooring buoys or docks available at the park.
The north bay provides the most wind protection and the bay's bottom consists of mainly of sand and gravel with some bigger rocks spread throughout the bay. Access to the island is gentler and easier from the north bay.
The south bay beach has many logs, and a steep step incline make access to the camping area more difficult. The southwest winds make the south bay rougher and will push boats around.
The waters in Padilla Bay fluctuate due to the tides. Be aware of the tides to keep your boat from becoming high and dry.
Enjoy fishing for salmon, lingcod and various rockfish species. Crabbing is also popular here during the appropriate season.
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