The Cottonwood Island Unit is a unique forested property that is representative of a historic habitat type that would have been more widespread along the lower Skagit River Valley. It provides valuable mature cottonwood forest habitat for a variety of forest birds and raptors, primarily buteos and eagles. The remnant of Cottonwood Slough also provides off-channel habitat for salmonids during certain times of the year and has been evaluated for potential habitat restoration projects.
The unit is actually no longer an island. Historically, it was isolated by Cottonwood Slough as a side channel of the Skagit River. However, now only portions of this channel hold water except during very high river flow events when most of the island could be flooded. Most of the property is outside of the dike system, but 12 acres within the dike system are managed as farmland. This farmland is leased to a local farmer for management.
The primary public use occurs at the Spud House Boat Launch located at the northwest edge of the unit. The boat launch also provides a parking area and public restroom, and it is a popular site for bank fishing and putting boats in the water to fish the river when seasons are open.
The Cottonwood Island Unit is located just north and west of the fork of the Skagit River and is approximately 3 miles southwest of Mount Vernon.
This unit is part of the Skagit Wildlife Area.
Game Management Unit: 407
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:
- Parking area
- Public restroom
- Boat launch
Fishing
The unit provides both bank fishing and boating opportunities during open seasons on the Skagit River. The Spud House Boat Launch is a popular site for water access.
Wildlife viewing
Visitors can expect to see a variety of forest birds and raptors living in the riparian forest habitat on the unit.
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.
Land stewardship
Acquisition history
The parcels making up this area were purchased between 1970 and 2008.
| Funder | Fund |
|---|---|
| County | Transfer of land |
| State of Washington | Transfer of land |
| US National Park Service | Land and Water Conservation Fund |
| WA Recreation and Conservation Office | Salmon Recovery Fund |
| WA Recreation and Conservation Office | State Bond Account |
| WA Recreation and Conservation Office | Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program |
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