Seasonal access rules are in place at the Samish River Unit of the Skagit Wildlife Area, commonly known as the East 90 or Edison site. These rules began during the 2022-23 season and are currently in place Oct. 12, 2024 through Feb. 2, 2025. Review the Recreation and public access section below for details.
The Samish River Unit covers 107 acres in northwest Skagit County. The unit was comprised of agricultural land until WDFW acquired it in 2004. The federal Natural Resource Conservation Service holds an easement on the property which allows for 15 acres to be managed with agricultural enhancements for migratory waterfowl forage. The remainder of the unit is a mix of sculpted wetlands, grass fields, and shrub-scrub habitat. Two waterfowl hunting areas on the unit are managed by WDFW's Private Lands Access Program.
The Samish River Unit is frequented by short eared owls in the winter, which feed primarily on voles and other rodents found in the grass fields.
Some birders and wildlife enthusiasts refer to the Samish River Unit as the "East 90" site due to a 90 degree turn in the adjacent road. For information about the nearby Samish Unit (also known as the "West 90" site), please see this webpage.
The Samish River Unit is located near the mouth of the Samish River off Bayview-Edison Road, just south and west of the town of Edison in northwest 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.
Public facility information:
- A parking area is planned for the northwest corner of the property
- No restroom
Recreation and access advisories
Seasonal access rules are in place at the Samish River Unit of the Skagit Wildlife Area, commonly known as the East 90 or Edison site. These rules began during the 2022-23 season and are currently in place Oct. 12, 2024 through Feb. 2, 2025.
There are specific zones for different recreation opportunities to support quality experiences and visitor safety. There is a Hunters Only Zone that is the southern and eastern portion of the property encompassing the Edison West (371) and Edison East (372) hunting access sites (see map below), and a wildlife viewing zone outside the Hunters Only Zone. The Hunters Only Zone includes a safety buffer of approximately 250 yards.
Hunting at Samish River Unit is managed under Register to Hunt rules through WDFW's Private Lands Hunting Access program. All users in the Hunters Only Zone must park in the designated parking spot and follow all posted rules for their designated area including being fully licensed as a Washington hunter.
The access rules are posted at the field entrances and there is increased signage at the boundary of the Hunters Only Zone. Violations of these site rules may be subject to prosecution under the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 77.15.160, RCW 77.15.210, and/or RCW 77.15.230.
This is a seasonal access rule, applying from the beginning of the general waterfowl hunting season and running through the first Saturday in February. Spatially separating user groups on this small Wildlife Area Unit will increase safety and improve experiences for all users while reducing the potential for negative interactions or conflict.
Hunting
Waterfowl hunting opportunities are present on the unit.
Fishing
The unit offers access to the Samish River, which is very popular with anglers especially during the late summer.
Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing and bird photography is very popular at this site. We suggest the following resources to support safe, responsible and ethical wildlife watching:
The Samish River Unit is frequented by short eared owls in the winter, which feed primarily on voles and other rodents found in the grass fields.
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 1966 and 2004.
| Funder | Fund |
|---|---|
| Ducks Unlimited | Private Donation |
| US Fish and Wildlife Service | North American Wetlands Conservation Program |
| 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