Beaver Marsh Natural Preserve

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Beaver Marsh Natural Preserve is a wetland area located in Washington State, USA.


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Summary

It is a popular destination for those who love nature, hiking and birdwatching. The preserve covers an area of 111 acres and provides an important habitat for a variety of wildlife species.

One of the main reasons to visit Beaver Marsh Natural Preserve is to experience the beauty of the wetland ecosystem. Visitors can hike along the trails that run through the area, which provide excellent views of the marsh and its inhabitants. There are several viewing platforms that offer an opportunity to see the wildlife up close.

Some of the specific points of interest to see at Beaver Marsh Natural Preserve include the beaver lodges, which are visible from the trails, and the birdwatching opportunities. There are over 120 species of birds that have been recorded in the area, including waterfowl, raptors, and songbirds.

Interesting facts about Beaver Marsh Natural Preserve include that it was once a thriving cranberry farm, and that it is now managed by the Skagit Land Trust. The preserve is also part of a larger system of wetlands, which provide important habitat for migrating birds and other wildlife.

The best time of year to visit Beaver Marsh Natural Preserve is during the spring and fall migration seasons, when many species of birds are passing through the area. Visitors may also see beavers and other wildlife during these times. However, the preserve is open year-round and offers unique experiences throughout the seasons.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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