Jetty Island Park

Jetty Island is a unique man-made island and public park located in Everett, Washington, approximately 30 miles north of Seattle. The island stretches two miles long and half a mile wide, covering about 1,800 acres. It was created from dredged material from the Snohomish River, initially serving as a riprap jetty to provide a protected harbor and navigation channel in the late 19th century.

The island features the longest sandy beach in Puget Sound, offering visitors a rare sandy shoreline experience in the Pacific Northwest. The shallow, warm waters off its western shore make it an ideal spot for swimming and wading, particularly appealing to families with children. The beach's expansive sand area is perfect for activities like building sandcastles, sunbathing, and beachcombing.

Jetty Island serves as an important wildlife habitat, supporting over 45 bird species including marsh hawks, cormorants, eagles, and dunlins. The island's ecosystem includes a mix of sandy beaches, grasslands, and salt marshes, providing a diverse environment for various plants and animals. It also plays a crucial role as a rest stop for juvenile salmon and a nesting ground for waterfowl.

Access to Jetty Island is primarily by boat. During the summer months (typically from July 5 to Labor Day), a seasonal foot ferry operated by the City of Everett in partnership with the Port of Everett provides transportation to the island. Outside of this period, visitors can reach the island using personal watercraft.

The island has minimal development, maintaining its natural state. There are no permanent structures on the island besides a seasonal floating restroom off its shore. Visitors are advised to bring their own supplies, including water, food, and sun protection, as there are no vendors or facilities on the island itself.

Jetty Island is not just a recreational area but also serves an educational purpose. The City of Everett occasionally offers guided nature walks and educational programs about the local ecosystem and wildlife, making it a valuable outdoor classroom for environmental education.