Howard Miller Steelhead Park - Wetland Wildlife Trail, Welts-Samish Restoration Site — Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025

UPDATE 1/26/25 (OG 12/15/24): Eagle viewing is now great around the Samish Flats near Edison, WA! Saw numerous groups of up to a dozen eagles each perching, fishing, etc. with lots of interactions between the eagles themselves. There are many walking trails in the preservation areas around this area (e.g. W-90) but note that hunting season runs through the end of TODAY, limiting access to some of the areas (see trailhead signage). New first pic (only) for this update. Also saw many northern harriers, snow geese, blue herons, trumpeter swans (amazing sight while inflight!) and a few short-eared owls (best seen perching at the beginning and end of the day). NOTE: The wildlife of course does not stick to the conservation areas; please respect private property, and use designated road pullouts ;)

Bottom Line:

"Welcome Bridge" is a spot on Mosquito Lake Rd outside of Deming, WA crossing the Nooksack river with fantastic eagle viewing - GO NOW!! Hiking along the banks of the river near sunset with jumping salmon in the deeper emerald water, spawning salmon thrashing up various creek channels running down the beach, and crowds of eagles hoovering on the riverbank! This season is supposedly just starting in this spot, but timing seems really good right now. Earlier in the day, did some river hiking along the Skagit just east of Howard Miller Steelhead Park in Rockport on Hwy 20 (on the other side of the bridge and down under the bridge to the shore). Fewer eagles here, but it may have just been our timing. The seasonal kickoff of the Bald Eagle Interpretative Center was just yesterday and there are NFS tents at top spots on the Skagit - Howard Miller, and at milepost 100. Lots of other birds on the rivers as well. Eagles are amazing creatures, and they definitely track your movement from a distance!

Stats:

• Distance: ~3 miles of shore hiking along mixed sand/rock beaches
• Duration: ~2-1/2 hours not including any driving
• Parking: $5 fee or a NFS pass for Howard Steelhead, and small putout areas of free parking on either end of Welcome Bridge. These two spots are about 1 hour apart with a lovely drive north to Deming.
• Weather: ~40F, somewhat rainy at Howard Steelhead but surrounded by snowy peaks, while mostly sunny at Welcome Bridge (although very close to sunset so my pictures are not the sharpest!)
• Trail: Rock and sand beach hiking with some obstacles (e.g. driftwood, thickets, and LOT of death salmon - watch your step!). The beach was VERY smelly and covered in dead chum across from Howard Steelhead. More live fish on the Nooksack but still some smelly spots (hiding from the eagles to take a picture, I found myself in a particularly rank well of a down tree!). You will see the eagles eating on the beach, defending their catch, and grabbing salmon straight out of the water by just leaning over the shoreline (see pics - dinner just swimming by). Lots of juveniles today (~5 year to before an adult with white plumage), and adults with white head plumage streaked with (fish) blood.
• Takeaway: Plan to head back to the Nooksack on Friday midday with some good light, as will be in the area. It is quite the experience right now! This Nooksack spot should be good through February, but the salmon run will end before that! #BreatheThroughYourMouth :)

More Information on this Trip Report

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