Utopia - Skagit Land Trust

[48.51325,-122.1369]

Property Type: Trust-Owned
Date Added: 2012

Sedro Woolley
88 acres
Open to the Public
Bird & Wildlife Watching

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Conservation Story

Utopia Conservation Area protects creeks, wetlands, and forested habitat within the Skagit River floodplain. This property was protected for the salmon habitat found in Wiseman Creek (Black Slough) and the Skagit River. Local deer and elk populations have also found refuge among Utopia’s grassy fields and forested areas.

This property was protected with the support of the Skagit Watershed Council, the WA State Salmon Recovery Funding Board, and a match from Seattle City Light. Utopia is also protected by a Wetland Reserve Program conservation easement held by the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS).

Site History and Ecology

The land that makes up Utopia Conservation Area used to be dominated by pasture and used for grazing. Over the years it has undergone restoration efforts with native plants added in stages throughout the property.

There are 800 feet of Wiseman Creek protected within this Conservation Area which provide habitat to various salmonids including coho, fall chum, and steelhead.

Utopia Conservation Area provides habitat for beaver, elk, and various amphibians and birds, along with fish.

Access

From the gate on Utopia Road, a wide trail (formerly a road) winds through the property leading across Wiseman Creek and into a large field. The trail continues into an area that is currently being revegetated with tall native trees to help shade out the invasive reed canary grass. Continue to follow the trail along the edge of the field to reach an overlook on the Skagit River. Use caution as riverbanks are unstable. Note that during the spring, summer and fall, the reed canary grass that fills most of the fields can grow shoulder height or taller.

*Utopia Conservation Area shown within the green parcel.*

How to Get There

Follow Highway 20 east from Sedro-Woolley for about 7 miles. Turn right onto Hoehn Road and travel about 3 miles south until Hoehn Road curves to the right. Utopia Road is on the left. Turn left onto Utopia Road and travel about 1/4 mile, the Utopia Conservation Area is on the right. Look for the Skagit Land Trust sign. Parking is available on the shoulder and in front of the gate. Enter down the driveway and use caution when crossing the bridge over Wiseman Creek.