🌤 Weather at Cutts Island Marine State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 38–64 °F | 51–76 °F | 40–70 °F | 36–48 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Tacoma Narrows Airport, 8 mi away, elevation 292 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🏆 Official Guide: Cutts Island Marine State Park — A water-access-only island in Washington’s South Puget Sound, known locally as “Deadman’s Island” — a paddler’s paradise with harbor seals, tide pools, and dramatic tidal beaches.
Cutts Island Marine State Park, locally known as “Deadman’s Island,” is a small, undeveloped island in Carr Inlet in the South Puget Sound. Accessible only by water, this marine park rewards kayakers and paddlers with sandy beaches that emerge at low tide, rich intertidal life, and frequent harbor seal sightings.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Carr Inlet, South Puget Sound, Pierce County, WA |
| Access | Water-only (kayak, canoe, boat) |
| Hours | 8:00 AM to dusk — day-use only |
| Camping | Not permitted |
| Facilities | None — pack in/pack out |
| Associated Park | Kopachuck State Park (mainland facilities) |
Getting There by Kayak
Popular launch points for paddling to Cutts Island include:
| Launch Point | Paddle Distance | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Kopachuck State Park | ~1 mile | Easy-Moderate |
| Wauna/Purdy Spit | ~1.5 miles | Moderate |
| Fox Island Boat Ramp | ~2 miles | Moderate |
Wildlife
Cutts Island is a wildlife-rich marine environment:
| Species | Notes |
|---|---|
| Harbor Seals | Frequently haul out on beaches — maintain 100-yard distance (federal law) |
| Great Blue Herons | Common along shoreline |
| Black Oystercatchers | Rocky intertidal areas |
| Intertidal Life | Crabs, anemones, clams, sea stars |
| Seal Pups (seasonal) | Rest on shore during pupping season — do not approach |
Activities
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Kayaking | Primary access method; circumnavigation of island |
| Beachcombing | Sandy spit at low tide; driftwood, shells |
| Tide Pool Exploration | Rich intertidal zone at low tide |
| Wildlife Watching | Harbor seals, shorebirds, marine life |
| Photography | Dramatic tidal changes; Mount Rainier views on clear days |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I camp on Cutts Island?
No. Cutts Island Marine State Park is day-use only, open from 8:00 AM to dusk. There is no overnight camping. For overnight stays, nearby Kopachuck State Park offers camping on the mainland with easy paddling access to the island the next day.
Why is it called Deadman’s Island?
The local nickname “Deadman’s Island” is a historical name that predates its designation as a state park. The official name is Cutts Island Marine State Park. Despite the ominous nickname, the island is a peaceful, beautiful destination popular with kayakers and nature enthusiasts.
Do I need a Discover Pass?
A Washington State Discover Pass is not required for water-based access to Cutts Island itself. However, if you launch from a state park boat ramp (such as Kopachuck), a Discover Pass is required for vehicle parking at the launch site.
Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Kopachuck State Park (a short drive away) or Penrose Point State Park (a short drive away).
Camping reservations: Book campsites and cabins for Washington state parks online at washington.goingtocamp.com.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Cutts Island Marine State Park
Park policy: Cutts Island is boat-in only and day-use only, open 8 a.m. to dusk year round, with no potable water and no restrooms anywhere on the island, so bring your dog's water with you. Washington State Parks runs a strict pack-it-in, pack-it-out policy here because there are no trash receptacles, and the park explicitly names dog waste among what you must carry back to your vessel.
- Pets allowed?
- Leashed dogs allowed; no water, no trash cans, carry all dog waste out by boat
- Leash rule statewide rule
- 8 ft maximum leash required; pets must be under physical control
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are not permitted on designated swim beaches
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets are not allowed inside vacation houses but are permitted in designated pet-friendly cabins and yurts (e.g. Grayland Beach, Seaquest, Ike Kinswa — Cape Disappointment does NOT allow pets in its yurts), typically up to two pets, with a pet fee
- Pet fees statewide rule
- No day-use pet fee; $15 per night pet fee in pet-friendly cabins/yurts
- Park-specific rules
- Harbor seals haul out on the beach at low tide during pup season, and federal law requires visitors including dogs to stay at least 100 yards from seals and their pups. Fires are not permitted at any time and horses are not allowed.
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Director-designated off-leash areas are exempt from the leash rule and are conspicuously posted
Are dogs allowed at Cutts Island Marine State Park?
Leashed dogs allowed; no water, no trash cans, carry all dog waste out by boat.
Beyond that, Washington’s statewide rules apply.
Rules verified July 2026 via parks.wa.gov. More: Washington state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Cutts Island Marine State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
