Skagit Island Marine State Park
🏆🏆🏆🏆 Skagit Delta Island — Forested island at the mouth of the Skagit River — where the largest river in Puget Sound meets the saltwater
Skagit Island Marine State Park is a small forested island near the mouth of the Skagit River — the largest river flowing into Puget Sound. The Skagit River drains a vast watershed from the Cascade Range, carrying glacial meltwater from Mount Baker and other volcanic peaks. The Skagit Delta is the largest estuary in Puget Sound — a critical feeding ground for migratory salmon, wintering trumpeter swans (the largest concentration in the lower 48!), and bald eagles (over 800 eagles winter along the Skagit!).
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Skagit Bay, WA |
| Entry Fee | Discover Pass required |
| River | Skagit — LARGEST in Puget Sound! |
| Eagles | 800+ winter on the Skagit! |
About Skagit Island
Skagit Island Marine State Park is a 21-acre rocky island in the Skagit Bay between Fidalgo and Whidbey Islands. The island is part of the Skagit Wildlife Area and supports nesting bald eagles, great blue herons, and pelagic cormorants. The surrounding waters are rich with salmon, crab, and shellfish.
Things to Do
Boat-in access for kayaking, wildlife viewing, fishing, and beachcombing. The island’s rocky shores and old-growth trees create dramatic scenery. The Skagit River delta nearby is one of the most important bird migration stops in the Pacific Northwest.
Insider Tips
Skagit Bay wilderness: Skagit Island offers primitive camping in the Skagit Bay — near the mouth of the Skagit River. Pro tip: The Skagit River supports the largest runs of wild salmon in Puget Sound — including all five Pacific salmon species. Bald eagles: The Skagit River hosts one of the largest concentrations of wintering bald eagles in the lower 48 — 500+ eagles gather to feed on spawned-out salmon.
Best Time to Visit
January-February: Peak eagle concentration. Summer: Kayak camping. Fall: Salmon runs begin. Spring: Migrating birds in the estuary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many eagles winter on the Skagit?
500-700 bald eagles gather on the Skagit River from December through February — feeding on spawned-out chum and coho salmon. The concentration is one of the largest in the contiguous US. Eagles perch in riverside trees and feed on salmon carcasses on gravel bars. The Skagit Eagle Festival (January) celebrates with guided viewing.
Nearby Attractions
Deception Pass State Park — 3 miles west. La Conner — 5 miles east — has art galleries and Skagit Valley tulip fields. Hope Island State Park (Skagit) is nearby. Anacortes — 10 miles northwest — has the San Juan Islands ferry.
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