Martha's Beach sits in the Shelter Bay community in La Conner area in Skagit County on Fidalgo Island along the Swinomish Channel separating Fidalgo Island from mainland Skagit County. The beach name likely derives from Martha, possibly an early settler, property owner, or significant figure in the Shelter Bay or La Conner area, though specific historical documentation about the naming is limited in available records. Shelter Bay developed as a gated community built on Swinomish leased land on Fidalgo Island across the Swinomish Channel from the historic town of La Conner, featuring private access to Martha's Beach and Rainbow Beach along with amenities including a 300-slip marina, scenic hiking trails, two swimming pools, nine-hole golf course, three tennis courts, playground, and clubhouse. The Swinomish Channel stretches 11 miles connecting Skagit Bay to the south and Padilla Bay to the north, created to provide protected navigation route for vessels traveling between Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands.
Swimming from the beach provides Shelter Bay residents access to Swinomish Channel waters during warm months, with the protected channel offering calmer conditions compared to exposed Puget Sound shorelines, though tidal currents require awareness when swimming. Beachcombing along the shoreline reveals smooth stones, driftwood, shells from channel marine life, and beach glass deposited by tidal action and boat traffic. Boating launches from the nearby 300-slip Shelter Bay marina with routes exploring the Swinomish Channel, accessing Skagit and Padilla Bays, and cruising toward the San Juan Islands through Deception Pass to the north. Wildlife watching includes great blue herons stalking channel shallows, bald eagles perching in shoreline trees and fishing the channel, harbor seals occasionally swimming through the waterway, and diverse seabirds including cormorants, gulls, and mergansers utilizing the productive channel ecosystem. Kayaking and paddleboarding explore the Swinomish Channel with routes paddling toward historic La Conner visible across the channel with its waterfront buildings, Rainbow Bridge, and maritime character. Views from the beach capture La Conner's historic downtown across the channel, the Cascade Mountains rising to the east, and maritime activity including pleasure boats, fishing vessels, and occasional commercial traffic navigating the channel. The beach serves as a private amenity for Shelter Bay community residents spending lazy afternoons enjoying channel shoreline access.
La Conner dining offers exceptional waterfront seafood restaurants across the Swinomish Channel from Martha's Beach. La Conner Seafood and Prime Rib House sits on the Swinomish Channel in historic downtown with Mount Baker views, featuring locally and regionally sourced ingredients, hand-crafted cocktails, and the largest waterfront deck in Skagit County, specializing in fresh seafood and slow-roasted prime rib steaks. La Conner Waterfront Cafe provides unique dining experience with one of La Conner's best waterfront views from outside dining area, featuring classic seafood dishes including fish and chips, fried shrimp, and signature cod preparations. Nell Thorn Waterfront Bistro and Bar specializes in farm-to-table Northwest cuisine with handcrafted cocktails, microbrews, and wines on spacious deck overlooking water. The Oyster and Thistle Restaurant and Pub occupies classic Old English country inn featuring Northwest cuisine with shucked oysters, smoked salmon, and seafood stew. La Conner Pub and Eatery serves great seafood and burgers on historic 1st Street along Swinomish Channel with excellent Rainbow Bridge views.
