This unit has limited access as it is only accessible by boat.
The Bald Eagle Unit is accessible ONLY by boat. It consists of 603 acres of undisturbed mature forested habitat that occurs in several parcels along the south bank of the Skagit River and the east and west banks of the Sauk River (confluence of the two rivers). The unit was acquired by the Department of Game in 1975-76 with the assistance of The Nature Conservancy for the conservation and protection of bald eagle winter habitat and roost sites.
In addition to providing habitat for many forest-dwelling species, this unit is part of a larger landscape that supports large wintering aggregations of bald eagles during years where Chum salmon return to the Skagit and Sauk rivers to spawn and die. Historically, this unit boasted the fifth largest winter aggregation of bald eagles in the lower 48 states, but with dramatic improvements in bald eagle populations, the delisting of eagles, and the changes in returns of Chum salmon, this designation has changed.
The unit provides habitat for deer, elk, bear, cougars, and ruffed grouse.
The Bald Eagle Unit is located south of Rockport State Park, at the confluence of the Skagit and Sauk rivers.
This unit is part of the Skagit Wildlife Area.
Game Management Unit: 437
Recreation and public access
A Discover Pass is required on WDFW lands -- including water access areas, wildlife areas, and campgrounds -- unless you already have a Vehicle Access Pass issued with the purchase of an eligible hunting or fishing license. Recreate responsibly on public lands: please know the Public Conduct Rules.
Public facility information:
- No facilities on the unit
- Boat access ONLY
- Several Skagit County and federal boat launches nearby
Hunting
Hunting can occur within the Bald Eagle Unit, but access is limited.
Fishing
The unit does provide fishing opportunities.
Wildlife viewing
Visitors to the unit have a chance to view a variety of wildlife, including deer, elk, and ruffed grouse.
Search for potential birding opportunities on or near a wildlife area unit by using eBird Northwest, a citizen science database portal that provides freely-shared bird lists at 'hotspots' and interactive maps plus other birding information updated daily.
Conservation
The management of this unit is focused on maintaining habitat for priority fish and wildlife species, promoting forest health, and determining future forest enhancement opportunities.
Conservation goals
- Maintain habitat for priority fish and wildlife species
- Maintain forest health
- Determine future forest enhancement opportunities
Land stewardship
Acquisition history
The parcels making up this area were purchased between 1967 and 1988.
| Funder | Fund |
|---|---|
| US Fish and Wildlife Service | Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Program |
| US National Park Service | Land and Water Conservation Fund |
| WA Dept of Fish and Wildlife | WDFW Game Fund (now Wildlife Fund) |
| WA Recreation and Conservation Office | State Bond Account |
Management planning
2024 Skagit Wildlife Area Management Plan
Management of the Skagit Wildlife Area is focused on units located in the Skagit and Samish deltas east of Whidbey Island and Camano Island. These units include riparian forests, wetlands, Douglas fir forests, estuaries, floodplains, marine intertidal areas, islands, backwater sloughs, and agriculture lands. The primary management focus is on estuary and floodplain restoration, providing forage for wintering waterfowl, recovering federal and state listed species, and providing recreation.
Planning Advisory Committee
Skagit Wildlife Area Advisory Committee