Since a 1989 joint acquisition and co-management agreement, WDFW owns 175 acres and Snohomish County Parks and Recreation Department owns 240 acres of this island in the Snohomish River estuary just east of Everett. It is a flat, grassy marsh/scrub-shrub wetland complex ringed by mixed forest that provides waterfowl habitat. Preservation. Fifty acres of tidally influenced estuary on the south end of the island have been restored for salmon species. In winter 2004, a dike was breached on the WDFW property, on the northeastern side of the island. Currently a proposal to restore 150 acres of the island to inter-tidal estuary for salmon, waterfowl and other estuary-dependent species is moving forward in partnership with Ducks Unlimited and funded by the state Salmon Recovery Funding Board. There is also a separate proposal to enhance public trails, hunting blinds and access for people with disabilities. Parking and access to the area are through the City of Everett’s sewage treatment plant on 4th Avenue.
Viewing Opportunities
Birds
Birds of Prey
Eagles
Marine Brids
Shorebirds
Wading Birds
Waterfowl
Mammals
Small Mammals
Other
Reptiles/Amphibians
How to Get Here
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for Printable
Map and Driving Directions
Access Site #1
Driving Directions Southbound I-5 from Marysville: Take exit 198 in Marysville and head south on Highway 529. Follow signs for Dagmar's Marina and turn onto Smith Island Road. Continue past Dagmar's Marina and turn right towards Langus Riverfront Park. Continue past the park and under Interstate 5 and past the sewage treatment center to the end of the road. Cross the bridge on foot to access Spencer Island.
Northbound I-5 from Everett: Take exit 199 in Marysville. Get back on I-5 going south. Follow the above southbound directions.
Parking/Restroom Information The parking area is about 1/4 mile back on the entrance road near the sewage treatment facility buildings. There is a honeybucket across the bridge to the left.
Other Information This area is closed during hours of darkness.
Unique Features
This is an intertidal wetland popular with wildlife watchers and waterfowl hunters. The WDFW manages the north part of the island and Snohomish County manages the south. Hunting is allowed only on the north/WDFW portion of the island. To get to this area, cross the bridge and turn left. Continue for about 1/4 mile to large wood WDFW signs marking the beginning of WDFW ownership. Property line runs due east across the island; everything to the north is open to hunting.
Other Information
There is a 15-shell limit in place on this site. Please refer to waterfowl regulations for details. CAUTION: This Unit is intertidal- water levels are constantly changing. Know the tidal conditions before venturing off of the dike trail.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
Spencer Island Closure
Walk in access to Spencer Island is closed through November 1st due to dike repairs and ditch cleaning. Waterfowl hunters can still access WDFW hunting areas on Spencer Island via boat. For more information, contact Marla Carter at the City of Everett: 425-257-8875.
A Discover Pass or WDFW Vehicle Access Pass
is required on all WDFW lands. Learn more at DiscoverPass.wa.gov
OTHER INFORMATION
