The Easy Trail That Might As Well Be The Bald Eagle Capital Of Washington
By Andrea Verschuyl|Published November 03, 2023
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Andrea Verschuyl
Author
Having grown up in Washington, Andrea is a self-admitted Pacific Northwest snob. In their opinion, there's simply nowhere else in the country with the Evergreen State's beauty. After attending university, Andrea devoted themselves to writing full-time. They're thrilled to represent Washington for Only In Your State while pursuing other professional and personal projects. They currently reside in Olympia, where they enjoy leaf-blowing their yard, perfecting homemade ramen, cuddling with their three tiny dogs, and feeding their pufferfish, Sea Biscuit.
We’re not the only animals noticing the days getting shorter and colder. For some of us, these climactic cues indicate it’s time to curl up in blankets with a cup of cocoa, hide deep in our burrows, and bide our time until warmer weather. For other Northwest critters, the arrival of crisp weather means something entirely different. If you’re an avid birder or interested in witnessing one of our state’s greatest natural spectacles, head to Skagit-Sauk Reach Trail this December and January. In my experience, it’s the best place to see bald eagles in Washington.
Located in Howard Miller Steelhead Park near Rockport, Washington, this five-mile out-and-back hike winds alongside the stunningly wild Skagit River.
Camp at one of the park's many sites nestled in the Cascades' shadow and wake up to the faint chatter of the river nearby. In addition to its abundant natural beauty, historic buildings populate this gorgeous spot. Read about their fascinating stories as you embark on your adventure.
If you're interested in learning more about bald eagles before or after completing Skagit-Sauk Reach, visit the Skagit River Interpretive Center. Their dedicated experts will happily give you the inside scoop on where you can see the most activity along the waterfront or enrich your understanding of whatever you saw along your way. You may also schedule tours online with one of their many knowledgeable docents.
Numerous factors make Skagit River Valley an ideal refuge for bald eagles. Local agriculture ensures a year-round supply of small prey animals. But the winter's epic migration of spawning salmon attracts the largest numbers of these majestic birds.
Pacific salmon are an anadromous fish, meaning they hatch in freshwater, live out their adult years in the ocean, and return to the exact spot where they were born to spawn themselves before dying. Eagles crowd the trees alongside the river at the end of this incredible effort, waiting to scavenge expired adult fish.
While you'll likely spot eagles perched serenely in the canopy, you'll also see them sparring over food and territory. The most dominant individuals are usually the females, who tend to be larger than males and certainly stronger than juvenile birds.
Bundle up for your excursion to Skagit-Sauk Reach Trail and consider bringing a light picnic or a thermos of your favorite warm beverage. While it's certainly possible to complete the hike in an hour, I always find myself utterly transfixed by the wildlife.
Are you looking for the best place to see bald eagles in Washington? Gear up and check out Skagit-Sauk Reach Trail in Howard Miller Steelhead Park. The route itself is lovely, skirting the dynamic Skagit riverfront, but the abundant wildlife makes this hike a true Northwest gem.
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