Saddlebag Island State Park
This tiny undeveloped island located about a mile off the southeast tip of Guemes Island was established as a state park in 1974. The island is popular with small craft, kayaks and canoes. Its campsites are for those arriving in non-motorized beachable craft only.

Saddlebag is shaped like its name, with coves north and south of a low neck of land, humps on both ends. The shoreline looks like a child’s construction, squarish blocks of stone piled on each other and then pushed over.

Saddlebag is on the edge of a steep underwater shelf, and should be approached with caution.

Moorings and Anchorage
The south cove is extremely shallow, choked with eelgrass and exposed to southwest winds and swell and to the view of the Anacortes refinery. It is not a good spot to anchor. The north cove is much preferred, though you may need to anchor outside the bight of the cove itself in order to have enough depth and swinging room. The bottom rises abruptly just within the cove. You’re totally exposed to the north here, the lee shore is close and rocky, and Padilla Bay to the east is extremely shallow.

All shoreline on Saddlebag Island is public.

Walking over logs and rocks on Saddlebag’s north cove. Dogs must be leashed.

Things to Do
A mile of trail wanders over the humps of Saddlebag Island, through cool woods and out to grassy points that are ideal for picnics or naps in the sun. Firepits, campsites and pit toilets are located on the island.

Saddlebag is a popular crabbing and fishing spot; its location on the shelf means there’s a lot of activity below the surface. The expansive flats of Padilla Bay form one of 17 National Estuarine Sanctuaries in the country, with 241 species of birds and 14 species of mammals. Black brant, among others, stop here on their migrations between Mexico and Alaska. Respect adjacent Dot Island, a National Wildlife refuge, as well as nearby Hat Island, a Conservation Area—keep at least 200 yards away.

Sailor, writer and teacher Migael Scherer, who divides her time between Seattle and Lopez Island, is the author of “A Cruising Guide to Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands,” published by International Marine/McGraw-Hill. The guide can be purchased online through Armchair Sailor Books & Charts, Captain’s Nautical Supplies, Amazon and other retailers.

About Migael Scherer

Sailor, writer and teacher Migael Scherer, who divides her time between Seattle and Lopez Island, is the author of “A Cruising Guide to Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands,” published by International Marine/McGraw-Hill. The guide can be purchased online through Armchair Sailor Books & Charts, Captain’s Nautical Supplies, Amazon and other retailers.

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