I’ve lived in Skagit County my whole life, but now I’m questioning if I’ve really lived in, or just occupied the Valley. This thought came to me recently because I discovered a scenic and quiet area that apparently all my local friends already knew about.
Now, I will admit that I have seriously lacked in my exploration of the southern bits of Skagit county. It was just this year that I figured out where Snow Goose produce was located, which is another place every other person from the Valley raves about.
Speaking of Snow Goose, it turns out that that is good point of reference for finding your way to Craft Island. If you're on Fir Island Road heading toward La Conner, you'll want to turn left on to Rawlins road, which is directly after you pass Snow Goose. Do the opposite if you're on Fir Island Road heading towards Conway – turn right on to Rawlins Road right before you reach Snow Goose.
Once you're on Rawlins Road, just continue following it. The road will start to narrow and deteriorate as you go, and eventually you'll come to a “Dead End” sign. Go ahead and keep on; you're on the right path because that's exactly what happens to the road. It just ends, and that's how you know you're there.
I copied the cars who had arrived before me and just parked off the road to the right.
After you've parked and have gathered whatever you have to take with you (perfect place for a picnic, in my opinion), start walking east to the dike. Summit that and the descend from your short climb on the other side.
You'll find yourself in the marsh, which, depending on the season, could be quite muddy. Looking southeast across the flat and grassy marsh land, you'll see Craft Island, a decent size chunk of land covered in trees poking out from the otherwise flat area.
There is a trail of sorts that you need to follow to get out to the island. It weaves its way in all directions–north, south, east, and west, but eventually you'll come to the actual Island part.
A note of caution! Don't stray too far off the trail, as there are drainage trenches throughout the marsh. Some are quite well hidden by the tall grass, and depending on if the tide is out or in, these could be filled with water. And when they're not filled with water, it's just a 4-6 foot drop into mud.
Sticky, sticky mud. Trust me.
Don't let the Snapchat fool you, it was much more of a slow fall/slide then a dive. But nonetheless, Archie and I made it out of the trench!
Back to the hike… After you navigate the short uphill trail (which is amazing in its own way – you walk under a canopy of green nearly the whole way), you'll come out on the other side of the island to something that I didn't know was a thing in Skagit County.
A sandy beach.
Honestly, the sand surprised me more than the amazing views the island gave. If you go out at a negative tide you can walk out on the flats for miles, even making your way out to Ika Island.
Overall, there are a lot of different places and things you could do to pass the time while your out in this area. Or you could literally spend the whole day laying out on the beach and I guarantee that it would be just as amazing and rewarding. If you're looking for a change of scenery and relaxation, I highly recomend this area.
Just watch out for those trenches.
