Jetty Island

The port-owned Jetty Island is a man-made island composed of sediment deposited by the Snohomish River. It began as a riprap jetty in the late 1800s and provided a protected harbor and navigation channel. The Port of Everett gained ownership of Jetty Island in 1929 and, with the help of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, built a new marsh of dredged river materials in 1989. The original dredged material is more than 100 years old and has been added to over time as the result of maintenance dredging of the Snohomish River Channel. Juvenile salmon, waterfowl and bald eagles are just a few examples of the wildlife currently living on Jetty Island. Continuous work is being done to improve and expand the island’s wildlife habitat. Jetty Island is a jewel to all who visit its sandy beaches, a rarity in the Pacific Northwest. Visitors often speak of Jetty Island’s untouched natural beauty. With no electricity or plumbing, the only structure on the island is the seasonal floating restroom off its shores. The sandy beaches and shallow waters make the water warm enough for any swimmer to enjoy. Set up your beach towels, bring your bucket and shovel to play in the sand, and be prepared for the perfect day at the beach. The extreme sport kiteboarding is growing in popularity and many athletes travel from outside the area to kiteboard at Jetty Island. The island is as educationally important as it is for summer recreation, serving as the perfect teaching tool regarding the importance of wildlife preservation and the nearby estuary. There are several educational walks and tours offered to learn about the local ecosystem. Many visitors come to observe the wide variety of bird species that have made Jetty Island their home. More than 50,000 people visit the Jetty Island each year!