Saddlebag Island State Park, a Washington State Park located near Anacortes, Bellingham and Burlington

SADDLEBAG ISLAND STATE PARK

SADDLEBAG ISLAND STATE PARK
Anacortes, Washington 98221

(lat:48.5357 lon:-122.5572)

Phone: 360-376-2073

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.

History of the Area

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.

Passes

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.

Camping

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.

Boating

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.

Location

Saddlebag Island State Park is located near Anacortes, Bellingham and Burlington

Nearby Parks

Bay View State Park

Skagit Island State Park

Cone Islands State Park

Larrabee State Park

Deception Pass State Park

James Island Marine State Park

Dot Rock State Park

Donovan State Park

Spencer Spit State Park

Doe Island Marine State Park

Picnicking

One picnic site is available. There is no potable water or garbage service on the island. Visitors must pack out what they pack in.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews

April 8 A nice stop by Tworedkayaks

The island had beautiful, small wild flowers and the south side of the island was warm and sunny. This was especially nice after a week of rain and snow. The north side of the island was cool and breezy. Brand new outhouse was a plus. Nice views except the oil refinery!

June 2 a great expereince by melanie bainter

The view from some of these campsites are great and I love that it closely overlooks the ocean. Fun swimming and snorkling on the sunnier and warmer days in the summer. The only bad thing is that the outhouses are worse than any that I have ever come across and I have come across some pretty bad ones. - but other than that this is a very fun expereince.