Skagit Wildlife Area Headquarters Unit to reopen Oct. 11

MILL CREEK – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) announced today that the Skagit Wildlife Area Headquarters Unit near Conway will reopen to the public on Friday, Oct. 11. 

The area—also known as Wiley Slough—is popular for water access, waterfowl hunting, bird watching, and walking and has been closed for construction since spring 2023. 

“We’re excited to welcome visitors back to Skagit Headquarters in advance of this Saturday’s general waterfowl hunting season opener,” said WDFW’s North Puget Sound Regional Director Brendan Brokes. “The Skagit Wildlife Area is one of the largest areas of state public land bordering Puget Sound, and it’s location minutes from I-5 makes it accessible to many Washingtonians and diverse outdoor opportunities.”  

The renovated Skagit Headquarters Unit features a new concrete boat launch and paved approach road offering access to Freshwater Slough on the South Fork Skagit River and Skagit Bay, as well as an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-accessible loading ramp and reconfigured parking area. There is also a hand-launch area for kayaks and canoes, elevated dikes with graded, ADA-accessible walking trails, an updated wildlife-viewing blind, and replanted areas to restore marsh and riparian habitat. 

The dikes were raised and widened in accordance with Army Corps of Engineers standards to protect neighboring lands from flooding. More information is available on this project webpage. 

The Skagit Headquarters Unit is part of the 18,138-acre Skagit Wildlife Area, which is managed for conservation of wintering waterfowl, restoration of estuary habitat for salmon, and access for recreation including hunting, wildlife watching, and other outdoor activities. 

More information on estuary restoration projects on WDFW-managed lands is available on this webpage. Information and tips for hunting can be found in the Skagit Wildlife Area Waterfowl Hunting Guide (PDF). 

The nearby Milltown Island Unit of Skagit Wildlife Area, which is only accessible by boat, also reopened to the public in early October following extensive estuary restoration work.  
 
WDFW manages more than 1 million acres of land and hundreds of water access areas throughout the state. By actively managing lands, restoring habitats, and preserving wild places, the Department serves as stewards for Washington’s natural places, protecting the state’s land and water for wildlife and people. 

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife works to preserve, protect and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.