Yes, Skagit County, Washington State is home to one of the largest concentrations of bald eagles in the lower 48 states, particularly during the winter months. The Skagit River is a prime feeding ground for these majestic birds, as it is home to all five species of salmon, which the eagles feed on during their migration from northern Canada and Alaska.
The Best Time to See Bald Eagles in Skagit County
The best time to see bald eagles in Skagit County is from late November to early February, with the peak viewing season being December and January. During this time, it is common to see 100 to 200 plus birds in a 3-hour Skagit River Eagle Tour.
Prime Viewing Locations in Skagit County
Image source: Pexels by Anrita Krause
There are several prime viewing locations in Skagit County, including:
- Skagit River Bald Eagle Interpretive Center in Rockport
- Howard Miller Steelhead Park
- Milepost 100 Rest Area at Sutter Creek on State Route 20
- Bald Eagle Natural Area on Martin Road
Skagit River Bald Eagle Interpretive Center
The Skagit River Bald Eagle Interpretive Center offers guided nature walks to eagle watching sites along the Skagit River at 11:00 am and 1:30 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. The Center also features a Nature Store, Children’s Corner, informational videos, a replica eagle’s nest, and directions to the Eagle Watcher sites.
Howard Miller Steelhead Park
Howard Miller Steelhead Park is accessible from Alfred Street in Rockport or from State Route 530, near the bridge over the Skagit River. The Skagit River Bald Eagle Interpretive Center is located within this park.
Milepost 100 Rest Area at Sutter Creek
The Milepost 100 Rest Area at Sutter Creek on State Route 20 is another popular eagle watching spot, as the Skagit River runs directly next to this site, providing a great view of feeding areas on the gravel. This site offers plenty of parking, picnic tables, a boat launch, and interpretive displays.
Bald Eagle Natural Area on Martin Road
The Bald Eagle Natural Area on Martin Road is a State Fish and Wildlife viewing site that provides a great view of eagles perched in trees or feeding on salmon in the river. This site is accessible from SR 530, just south of the Skagit River bridge.
Other Bald Eagle Viewing Spots in Skagit County
In addition to these prime viewing locations, there are several other spots in Skagit County where eagles can be seen, including:
- Skagit Wildlife Area (Skagit Flats)
- Bay View State Park (Padilla Bay)
- Deception Pass State Park (Oak Harbor, Whidbey Island)
- Washington Park (Anacortes)
- Nooksack River east of Bellingham
Diverse Eco-System and Wildlife in Skagit County
Skagit County is an excellent destination for bald eagle watching, with a diverse eco-system, pristine rivers, and abundant wildlife. Visitors can expect to see not only bald eagles, but also deer, elk, bear, cougar, beaver, and many types of birds and waterfowl.
References:
– Skagit River Bald Eagle Interpretive Center. (n.d.). Viewing Sites. Retrieved April 19, 2024, from https://skagiteagle.org/viewing-sites/
– Skagit River Guide Service. (n.d.). Skagit Bald Eagle Viewing. Retrieved April 19, 2024, from https://www.skagitriverfishingguide.com/skagit-bald-eagle-viewing
– Skagit River Bald Eagle Interpretive Center. (n.d.). Home. Retrieved April 19, 2024, from https://skagiteagle.org/
– Eagle watching season lures hikers to Skagit County – YouTube. (2023, January 19). Retrieved April 19, 2024, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmW3sjogNi4
