This unit has limited access as it is only accessible by boat.
October 2024 advisory: During summer 2024, an estuary restoration project was completed on this area, including extensive excavation of new channels and low areas, lowering of remnant dikes, construction of mounds, and the movement of equipment across the site. Some of this activity has resulted in softened soil, equipment ruts, and other hazards that did not previously exist. Visitors should exercise extreme caution, especially during high water conditions which may obscure potentially hazardous areas. More information on the Milltown Island Restoration Project is available on this webpage.
The Milltown Island Unit is a mid-channel island in the South Fork Skagit River. The unit is accessible only by boat. A boat launch at the WDFW Skagit Headquarters Unit provides access to the unit and portions of the Skagit River estuary via Freshwater Slough to Steamboat Slough and Tom Moore Slough.
Though the unit covers a total of 322 acres, approximately 220 acres of riparian forests, shrub-scrub marshes, and estuary habitat are present on and around the island.
The Milltown Island Unit is located between Steamboat and Tom Moore sloughs in the Skagit River's South Fork in Skagit County.
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.
Recreation and access advisories
- The unit is accessible ONLY by boat
- Boating access is impacted by tides; visitors should be aware of expected tidal conditions
Hunting
This unit offers opportunities for waterfowl hunting, though foot travel through the unit can be challenging. Check out the Skagit Wildlife Area Waterfowl Hunting Guide (PDF) for detailed information.
Hunting advisories
- It is unlawful to possess shot (either in shotshells or as loose shot for muzzleloading) other than nontoxic shot for any purpose on this unit (WAC 220-414-040).
- Watefowl hunting is limited to boats, dike-tops or hunting on foot during low tides.
- SAFETY ZONES (no hunting or shooting) include the entrance roads, parking areas, dike-top trail from parking areas to the tidegate structure, and intertidal areas adjacent to parking areas. Orange or white buoys in the intertidal area denote SAFETY ZONE lines. Refer to maps posted on kiosks for more information.
Fishing
Fishing opportunities are present on the unit.
Wildlife viewing
There is opportunity to view a variety of wildlife 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.
Other recreational opportunities
The unit provides walking and kayaking opportunities.
Land stewardship
The Milltown Island Unit was purchased by WDFW in 1951 and 1973 for waterfowl habitat and public recreation. Local farmer’s diked, drained, and farmed this property for many years, but determined it was wet ground and difficult to manage for their purposes. Shortly after the WDFW purchase, the dikes failed twice and a bridge that provided access from the mainland washed out. WDFW could no longer access the unit to grow agricultural crops for waterfowl forage as originally planned and the site has transitioned to an intertidal marsh.
Acquisition history
The parcels making up this area were purchased between 1951 and 1973.
| Funder | Fund |
|---|---|
| County | Transfer of land |
| 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
Plan Updates
Current land management projects
WDFW is planning a restoration project on the Milltown Unit that is intended to improve habitat for juvenile salmon and waterfowl. Details are on the Milltown Island Restoration Project webpage.