From a map a visitor might get the impression that a highway passes by the lake but locals know that a 1,000-foot-high ridge isolates Lake Padden from the bustle of I-5. Nestled in this valley, the park's peacefulness and natural setting is remarkable considering how close it is to Bellingham.

Trails wander out of the park providing hikers, bikers, trail runners, and horseback riders with extended distances and challenging terrain. A word of caution though: the rugged, and largely unsigned, wilderness of the outlying areas are enjoyed by many but are in sharp contrast to the developed sites around the lake. Trail users should take care that they are prepared when heading out or they may find a short hike becoming an epic journey as they try to solve the riddle of the labyrinth.

The ban on boat motors (except small electric trollers) makes the lake a favorite for fly-fishers and paddlers alike. The drama of the opening of fishing season, though crowded, is something to witness. Grizzled veterans and sleeping toddlers share the beach, tightly clutching their fishing rods in anticipation of the stroke of midnight. Other special events are held here including the Junior Ski to Sea Race, and families and local groups like to reserve picnic pavilions for annual get-togethers.

The park's wide range of features provides families and individuals with many options during the changes of seasons and lifetimes. From the easy grassy shoreline, to peaceful lake waters, to the well-respected golf course, to the steep rugged ridge trails, Lake Padden will give just about everyone something to enjoy. If its not already a place you frequent, why not visit Lake Padden soon and see what your favorite activity will be?

Written By: Bud Hardwick

Features
Kid Friendly  |  Baseball Diamonds  |  Picnic Area  |  Swimming Areas  |  Walking Trails  |  Biking Trails  |  Bathrooms  |  Picnic Tables  |  Tennis Courts

Comments
I was the very first lifeguard at Lake Padden. It had been a city water supply before this. The water was so clear that you could see bottom in the middle of the lake. Previously, I had been a lifeguard in the much-warmer Eastern Washington. I wore a down parka, sweatpants, and shoes in my lifeguard tower on many "summer" days because it was so cold. But when it was beautiful, there is no place on earth more gorgeous.
- Mike on Fri, December 26, 2008

I was the very first lifeguard at Lake Padden. It had been a city water supply before this. The water was so clear that you could see bottom in the middle of the lake. Previously, I had been a lifeguard in the much-warmer Eastern Washington. I wore a down parka, sweatpants, and shoes in my lifeguard tower on many "summer" days because it was so cold. But when it was beautiful, there is no place on earth more gorgeous.
- Mike on Fri, December 26, 2008

Lake Padden is a beautiful lake. Just a FYI my daughter and her friends went swimming lakst weekend and all have swimmer's itch. Our doctor told us that Lake Padden is known for having swimmer's itch during summer months. Just wanted you to beware. Our daughter is itching up a storm and is covered in little red spots. The good thing is that it will go away in a week.
- jil; spooner on Tue, July 15, 2008

Fishing is amazing. trolling spinners on opening day gets 20-30 in a few hours, and the days to come in may pay off with A LOT of fish on powerbait from shore. Fishing is great for perch in the summer too! go get em.
- Daniel on Fri, April 25, 2008

From April 31st to may 31st, the fishing is great for rainbow trout when you use powerbait, after that, the lake begins to get fished out and you may only catch one possibly with a worm! Good Luck.
- Danny on Thu, January 4, 2007

Lake Padden is a great place to take your kids. It is somwhere that you can relax and your kids can have tons of fun. You can also take your dog to the dog park which is a wide open area for dogs to have a good clean time.
- Hannah on Mon, October 23, 2006

The logde their hosted a beautiful wedding about 12years back... I wish I could have a wedding in that park... it's always been a love of mine!
- Reina on Mon, August 22, 2005

A lot of the trees around the lake are evergreen fir trees with some deciduous. The trails that lead from the lake past and beyond the golf course are heavily wooded and natural, with a few big trees. It's very scenic and a breath of fresh pine-scented air. We musn't forget about the wildlife. You can hear the birds singing in the woods, there's ducks in the lake, and sometimes even geese.
- RAchael on Tue, July 26, 2005

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