We completed a feasibility study to restore historical connectivity between the North Fork Skagit River (the river) and the Swinomish Channel (the channel, which connects Skagit Bay to Padilla Bay). The study examined tides and currents, river inflows, freshwater/tidal mixing, and salmon migration success under various restoration alternatives. Conceptual design was completed for two alternatives. The restoration goal is to maximize fish passage from the river through the channel to Padilla Bay, while minimizing sediment input to the channel. Channel dredging began in the 1890s so local farmers could transport goods to market. Dredge spoils were used to build a causeway between LaConnor and McGlinn Island, to block freshwater flow/sediment transport from the river to the channel. In 1938 a rock jetty was built to further restrict river-channel connectivity. The causeway/jetty have also greatly restricted juvenile salmonid access to extensive rearing habitat in Padilla Bay. In addition to physical obstruction of migratory pathways for juvenile (and returning adult) salmon, reduced freshwater input to the channel has greatly increased channel salinity and created a physiological barrier for juvenile chinook, which are very sensitive to high salinity. Restoration of river-channel connectivity is necessary to allow juvenile salmon to access rearing habitat in Padilla Bay. It is also a necessary precursor to further salmon habitat restoration along the channel.