Pull up a camp chair, place it facing north, sit down and stay a while. Bay View State Park on Padilla Bay overlooks the San Juan Islands and offers up magnificent views of the archipelago. On clear or partially clear evenings, the skies light up and cast the islands in silhouette against the bright sunset colors.

Into active adventures? Get out on the water for sailboarding, waterskiing, paddle sports, fishing and swimming. Looking for relaxation? Lounge in camping chairs or enjoy the porch swing in your rental cabin.

This tiny park has a larger, interesting neighbor: Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve makes up 11,000 acres of the bay and draws students, scientists, activists and citizens for research, education, awareness and training. This reserve is one of five such protected areas in the western United States. Its habitat includes open waters, eelgrass beds, intertidal bays, uplands, freshwater sloughs and high salt marsh.

Countless marine animals call the area home. The Breazeale Padilla Bay Interpretive Center, located half-mile from the park, allows families and children to view and interact with the estuary through a series of exhibits and hands-on activities. Visible across the bay, an oil refinery reminds visitors of the challenges the modern world presents to marine areas.

PARK FEATURES:
Bay View State Park is a 66-acre camping park with 1,285 feet of saltwater shoreline on Padilla Bay.