Skagit Wildlife Area

Two words describe this wildlife refuge....flat and peaceful. Never having been to this location that is a stones throw away from home, I thought it would be perfect for a short walk before work on this fine, sunny 4th of July. I had read the most recent trip reports, loaded up my pack and Jack and headed to Fir Island. Arriving less than 10 minutes after leaving home, I was the only car in the southern parking lot. There is certainly plenty of parking here. There is a privy in the parking lot; look carefully as its somewhat hidden by bushes. Jack and I followed the gravel road and turned right onto the dike. We walked about 9/10's of a mile following the waters edge There was a lot of water to our left and a slough or something off to our right, hidden by bushes, that provided a constant sound of trickling water. The entire way we heard various birds chirping and the wind blowing gently through the trees. Today's sky was brilliantly blue, but sadly fluffy white clouds blocked Mount Baker. We ambled on until the road became overgrown. We turned around and headed back the other way, dropping off our doggy bag when we passed the parking lot. Heading left on the dike from the parking lot, in approximately 4/10's of a mile you arrive at an even larger parking lot, a more modern bathroom and a "boat launch". We turned around here after Jack got a drink of water and headed back to our car.

Although I didn't have any kids with me today, this is a great place to take kids for a walk. I'm looking forward to bringing my grandson back in the winter and spring. I saw a HUGE nest in a tree across the water, not sure who built it though; perhaps an eagle or a blue heron? There were tons of birds chirping the entire way. Not being very knowledgeable about birds, I only recognized robins, ducks and gold finches. Previous trip reports mentioned benches, but the only benches that I could see were across the water and sitting in the water. From looking at previous trip report photos, it seemed like there was more water than normal today.

There are various hunting blinds along the way (is that what those things are called, the place where the hunters hide?). Posted along the way are signs warning of hunting from September 1 - March 1. I'm not anti-hunting if hunters are providing food for their families, however it seems odd to me that we have a wildlife refuge, yet allow hunting within the refuge. Especially considering that there are THOUSANDS of snow geese that come here, and snow geese mate for life.

This park was very clean. I saw only one piece of trash, which I picked up and brought home to throw away. I came across young families, nature photographers and seniors out walking. I was dismayed to see that I was the only one with my dog on a leash. A couple of dogs were under good voice control, but others were not. I do feel since this is a wildlife refuge, having dogs run loose frightening the birds is less than desirable.

My GPS measured about 2.4 miles, but I wandered over to explore the covered area and the bulletin boards in the parking lot. You do need a Discover Pass here. Be sure to bring your own doggy bags and be prepared to take them home with you. I didn't see any dispensers for doggy bags, nor any trash cans.