Snohomish River riders - heads-up

Treaddirt · 10-12-2009, 11:47 PM

Guys, some of you have been riding in the Spencer Island wildlife refuge which is not permitted. I love to ride as much as the next guy but don’t ride within the wildlife refuge waterways. I don’t mean to pick a fight, just want you guys to avoid a big fine. I volunteer at the park and some of the birdwatcher that visit the park a lot have taken photos of you guys with there high power telescopic lenses and have your registration numbers. They where going to give the photos (digital) to me thinking I was a ranger but I told them to contact the park ranger – again I just clear trails and pick up trash there when I’m not riding.

Now granted there are no signs posted that state no watercraft (only no hunting) but that won’t stop the ranger from enforcing the law. I don’t mean to be a butt head – just want to keep you guys out of jail……ride safe and have fun.

miller_girl · 10-13-2009, 12:42 AM

Could you advise via Google Earth for us out-of-towners who occasionally ride the Snohomish River, but no idea where the Wild Life Refuge is. Thanks.

runeblade · 10-13-2009, 07:48 PM

Yeah...what area is that? Everywhere I've been riding on the snoho with the guys that normally ride, there are no signs anywhere that says no riding on any piece of the river. There also no "No Hunting" signs as well. Don't want to get into a pissing contest with a ranger over it, even if it cant be legally enforced with no signs. Not worth the hassle. If you could just Google map it, it would be greatly appreciated.

suva · 10-13-2009, 08:03 PM

http://wdfw.wa.gov/webmaps/gohunt/wi...ser_island.pdf

I think it's the blue striped area

I couldn't find anything on the WDFW website that said you couldn't operate PWC or motor boats on their land, other than you can't moor a houseboat there.

crab · 10-13-2009, 08:20 PM

I call BS on that without signs posted somwhere.

NWDayton · 10-13-2009, 10:32 PM

Crab - you know the area. Just because they only have a sign posted from the 'poo slough' doesn't mean it all is open. Our wildlife dept may be a little slow with all of the recent floodings and new breaks in the jetties. But, it is all still 'officially' closed to motors. For those that don't know where, the 'rapids' are the place. And any adjacent breaks.

The Cap'n

Treaddirt · 10-13-2009, 10:39 PM

Guys, the web site that suva posted (the blue area and south of it) is the Spencer Island park. Here is another web site: http://www1.co.snohomish.wa.us/Depar...cer_Island.htm It's interesting this web site does not say anything about no watercraft allowed at the park.
I work with park ranger Joe Adams as a volunteer and he told me no watercraft at all are allowed within the park. I will send him a emial tonight to get the specifics. Hey, I love to ride too and I'm only looking out for all of us. I do ride in the waterways east of the park - the areas where you see boats moored. I'll let you guys know what I hear back from Joe.

gasgas · 10-13-2009, 11:30 PM

crab · 10-14-2009, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NWDayton

Crab - you know the area. Just because they only have a sign posted from the 'poo slough' doesn't mean it all is open. Our wildlife dept may be a little slow with all of the recent floodings and new breaks in the jetties. But, it is all still 'officially' closed to motors. For those that don't know where, the 'rapids' are the place. And any adjacent breaks.

The Cap'n

I know nothing....

Spencer Island

Part of the Snohomish River Estuary Watertrail

4th St SE
Everett, WA 98205
Tel: 425-388-6616
Park hours are 7:00 a.m. til dusk

Aerial Photo and Description (.pdf format)

Park Features

Picnic Tables
Interpretive Signs
Interpretive Boardwalk
Slough Access
Saltwater Wetland
Trails
Portable Restrooms

Spencer Island is one of the best places in the Snohomish River Estuary to view waterfowl and shorebirds. Deer, coyote, occasional Jetskiers, river otter, and a host of small mammals and amphibians also inhabit the large island. The island has a dike top trail system, which provides scenic views of the wetlands, sloughs and mountains.
The island is co-owned by Snohomish County and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Snohomish County owns the south half of the island, while WDFW owns the north half. The property line is approximately 1,400 feet north of the bridge.
Call (425) 388-6616 for information on seasonal use restrictions and interpretive programs.
Note: Dogs are not permitted on the county-owned portion of the island.
Island Access

Failure of dikes on Spencer Island over the last several years have resulted in a loss of the large loop trail which was previously available for public use. Walking trails are still available, but several are "out and back" only. A smaller loop trail is available at the south end of the island.
Park History

Spencer Island lies in the heart of the Snohomish River Estuary, an ecosystem formed by mixing a freshwater system (the Snohomish River) and a saltwater system (Port Gardner Bay).
A dike was built out of earth and wood around the island in the early 1930’s for flood control and the island was converted to agricultural use. Most recently, James Scott Rhodes farmed the island, raising over 400 head of cattle.
A barn previously stood near the park entrance and served many generations of farmers. Legend has it that Tom Mormon, a farmer, rolled the barn on log skids across the island to its previous location. The barn fell down during a wind storm in 2006.
Driving Directions

From Everett, go north on SR529 (Broadway) over the Snohomish River; turn right onto 28th Pl NE. Follow signs to Langus Riverfront Park; continue past the park to a parking lot past the left curve in the road (under I-5). Follow the walking trail to Spencer Island.
Alternatively, continue along road to parking area near the Everett Waste Facility. Follow road between lagoons to Spencer Island.