It was named for a homesteader and coal miner in the area, Michael Padden, who purchased the land around the lake in 1873.

[5] The park is popular during the spring and summer, and features numerous picnic areas as well as playgrounds.

There are also numerous trails located around the lake and throughout the surrounding forest that are used for hiking and biking.

A public golf course is located along the eastern shore.

This Whatcom County, Washington state location article is a stub.