Kiket Trail loop

Yes, a Discover Pass is required for parking at the trailhead. This pass supports Washington State Parks and other state recreation lands.

Parking is available at the entrance to the Kukutali Preserve. Remember that a Discover Pass is needed for parking.

No, dogs are not permitted on the trails within the Kukutali Preserve to protect the sensitive ecological and cultural environment.

The trail can be enjoyed year-round, offering lush forests and marine views. However, it's crucial to check tide tables before your visit, as the tombolo connecting to Kiket Island can become submerged and impassable at high tide.

Yes, the overall difficulty is considered easy to moderate. The South Trail is particularly easy, and the North Trail is gentle enough for young hikers, making it a great option for families and beginners.

The terrain is varied. It begins with a graveled, relatively flat walk across a tombolo. Once on Kiket Island, you'll find gravel roadways (Kiket Trail), singletrack paths through forests (North Trail), and meandering routes through broad-leaved trees (South Trail). Some beach sections may have loose gravel and rock.

You'll encounter lush forests with old-growth trees and madrona boughs, abundant ferns, and moss. Spectacular views include the iconic Deception Pass Bridge, Skagit, Hope, and Fidalgo Islands, and Similk Bay. The western end features windswept shorelines and fascinating driftwood.

Yes, the tombolo, a natural sand spit connecting the mainland to Kiket Island, can become submerged and impassable at high tide. Always plan your visit by checking the local tide charts to ensure safe passage.

Yes, once on Kiket Island, the route utilizes sections of the North Trail, the main Kiket Trail (Center Trail), and the South Trail, forming a lollipop loop that allows you to explore different parts of the island.

The Kukutali Preserve is unique as the first park in the U.S. to be co-owned and jointly managed by a federally recognized Indian tribe (Swinomish Indian Tribal Community) and a state government (Washington State Parks). This collaboration focuses on conservation, research, and honoring its rich cultural heritage.

To protect the environment, visitors must stay on designated trails. Dogs, bicycles, and horses are not permitted. Additionally, sensitive areas like Flagstaff Island and Kiket Island's north shore and lagoon are off-limits to public access.