Day Creek

Conservation Story

Day Creek Conservation Area is situated within the Skagit River floodplain just north of the confluence of Day Creek and the Skagit River. Day Creek provides spawning habitat for chinook, coho, chum, and pink salmon at different times during their life cycles. Maintaining and improving the riparian system and managing the prime forestland are part of a larger effort to protect the Day Creek watershed. The acquisition of this Conservation Area began in 2008, with continued acquisitions totaling at almost 335. 

Acquisitions of the Day Creek Forest Conservation Area were made possible through funding from Washington State’s Recreation and Conservation Office – Salmon Recovery Funding Board and with support from the Skagit Watershed Council and Seattle City Light. Skagit Land Trust has been working for several years with its partners in the Skagit Watershed Council to protect significant areas of salmon habitat along the middle reaches of the Skagit River. 

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Site History and Ecology

Day Creek is an important tributary for Skagit River salmon recovery efforts. Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife has documented numerous species of salmon spawning, rearing or migrating through this stretch of the creek and the property was identified as a priority habitat by the Skagit Watershed Council. Day Creek provides spawning habitat for chinook, coho, chum, and pink salmon as well as cutthroat trout, and connectivity for aquatic species to stream segments above and below the property. 

Access

Like most of our Conservation Areas, Day Creek is open to low-impact public use for community enjoyment, but there are no public roads that access the sites. Visitors must not drive down or block the driveway through the property, which serves as access to a private residence. Please watch our event page for opportunities to visit the property with Trust staff during work parties and tours. There are no established trails at this Conservation Area.

 Day Creek Conservation Area consists of four conservation areas managed by Skagit Land Trust in the upper Skagit River watershed. Map created by Skagit Land Trust staff using NAIP aerial imagery from 2017.

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