Cowlitz Bay Preserve

Cowlitz Bay has one of the loveliest sand beaches in the San Juans. Our preserve protects three-quarters of a mile of shoreline and tidelands within the bay. The beach on the eastern half is backed by a feeder bluff that is home to what is possibly the largest population of digger bees in the world. On the western half of the bay, there is low-bank shoreline and the trail system can be accessed from here. The easy trails follow along the shore and, to the east, take you to a wonderful beaver-dammed wetland. A spur trail to the north takes you through a regrowth forest.

Access: Cowlitz Bay Preserve can be accessed by anchoring in the bay and taking a dinghy (or kayak) to shore. The preserve begins about a half mile west of the county dock. Access the trails from the low-bank shoreline along the western half of the beach.

Learn about the history of this preserve