Killebrew Lake Unit is a 151-acre unit located on Orcas Island approximately 2.5 miles from the state ferry landing. It was acquired by the Department of Game in 1968 to provide hunting and fishing access, which was very limited on San Juan Island.
The unit is predominately second-growth Douglas fir with a 20-acre lake and associated wetlands around the lake. In 1984, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife inventoried the native bog habitat around Killebrew Lake and developed a Natural Area Preserve proposal to designate and protect approximately 70 acres of the property. The Natural Area Preserve was designated in 1987 and includes the lake and associated wetlands.
There is a small, undeveloped parking area along the lake and entry road which allow access to the site and water’s edge for launching small hand-carried boats or for bank fishing. The site historically was managed by the water access program and stocked with fish. Fish are no longer actively managed or stocked in the lake. Remnant logging roads and unimproved trails provide walking access within the Killebrew Unit. There are no other public access features and no restrooms available.
The Killebrew Lake Unit provides fishing, waterfowl and deer hunting, wildlife viewing and hiking opportunities.
The Killebrew Lake Unit is located on Orcas Island, approximately 2.5 miles east of the state ferry landing.
This unit is part of the Skagit Wildlife Area.
Game Management Unit: 411
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:
- Undeveloped parking area
- No restrooms
- Logging roads and unimproved trails
Hunting
The Killebrew Lake Unit provides opportunities for waterfowl and deer hunting.
Fishing
There is access to the water edge for launching small hand-carried boats or bank fishing.
Wildlife viewing
Remnant logging roads and unimproved trails provide walking and hiking access and opportunities to view a variety of wildlife.
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 in 1968.
| Funder | Fund |
|---|---|
| US Fish and Wildlife Service | Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Program |
| WA Dept of Fish and Wildlife | WDFW Game Fund (now Wildlife Fund) |
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