Saddlebag Island: Sea Kayak Camping & Spring Wildflowers [Video]

Join me on a sea kayaking camping adventure to Saddlebag Island Marine State Park to see its wildlife, explore its forests and to check out the spring wildflowers that grow along its rocky shoreline.

I paddle across Fidaldo Bay on a foggy May morning.  Following a series of compass bearings, I make my way from Anacortes to the SE tip of Guemes Island. From there, I hop across to Huckleberry Island, circle around the north end of Saddlbag Island, wrap around Dot Island and land in Saddlebag's South Harbor.

After setting up camp at the Cascade Marine Trail site, I hike the rough 1.2 mile trail around the island. The spring wildflowers are out in full force this mid-May morning.

Spring wildflowers, Saddlebag Island Marine State Park, Washington

After encounters with about 40 seals hauled out on rocks, great blue heron, bald eagles and river otter, I witness a colorful sunset over Mount Baker and peaceful Padilla Bay.

View of a headland on Saddlebag Island with Mount Baker and Cascade Mountains across Padilla Bay in background during sunset, Saddlebag Island Marine State Park, Washington, USA

I had the island to myself, except for a brief visit from a motor boat.

Saddlebag Island Marine State Park has 5 campsites scattered amongst the forest of Pacific madrone.  This including one Cascade Marine Trail campsite designated for guests arriving by wind- or human-powered watercraft. It is one of 66 campgrounds and 160 day-use sites available along the Cascadia Marine Trail system, running the full length of Puget Sound.

Pacific madrone forest on Saddlebag Island, Saddlebag Island Marine State Park, Washington, USA

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More Information

Saddlebag Island Marine State Park

Cascadia Marine Trail System

Life Jacket Safety