Grandy Creek - Skagit Land Trust

[48.519580,-121.888891]

Property Type: Trust-Owned
Date Added: 2003

Grandy Creek
54 acres
Open to the Public

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Conservation Story

The Grandy Creek Conservation Area was acquired by Skagit Land Trust (SLT) in 2003 with assistance from the Washington State Salmon Recovery Funding Board, coordinated by the Skagit Watershed Council (SWC). Grandy Creek Conservation Area is 54 acres located along the Skagit River and Grandy Creek. SLT worked for years with SWC to protect significant areas of salmon habitat along the middle reaches of the Skagit River.

Starting in 2010 Skagit Land Trust and Skagit County Noxious Weed Control Board have worked to control a large knotweed infestation along the shoreline. Additionally, volunteers have helped install native plants in the riparian area, along the creek, at work parties.

Site History and Ecology

The Grandy Creek Conservation Area consists of about 34 acres of riparian woodland, along the creek, and 20 acres of pasture. Portions of the pasture are being used for hay production which allows SLT to maintain forage areas, which are important for elk.

The riparian area is primarily forested with bigleaf maple, western red alder and cottonwood, with a few scattered western red cedar, Sitka spruce and Douglas-fir trees. The pasture, riparian forest, and waterways within the Conservation Area provide habitat for a number of wildlife species. In addition to elk, beaver, salmonids, bald eagles, and other raptors and songbirds use the property.

Access

This site is open to low-impact public use for community enjoyment. You may access the property by boat via the Skagit River, or by walking in via Grandy Creek from WDFW land to the east or from Cape Horn Road which is possible in the summer and early fall when water levels are low.

How to Get There

Follow Highway 20 east for about 15 miles. Turn right on to Lusk Road. Turn left onto Cape Horn Road. The entrance driveway is on the right after about 2 miles. Entrance is on the South side of the road.