Discovery Programs - Edmonds Marsh

Edmonds Marsh

The Edmonds Marsh is one of the few urban saltwater estuaries remaining in the Puget Sound area. Before settlement this salt marsh occupied nearly 40 acres. Development has reduced this area to 22.5 acres.

The first stop on Audubon Washington's Great Washington State Birding Trail - Cascade Loop; this marsh hosts an astonishing 225 species of birds during the course of the year. A Bird Checklist for birds of the Edmonds Marsh and adjacent beaches (in PDF format) can be downloaded for free here.

After urbanization, the railroad and man-made barriers blocked the tidewater flow. This situation for a time created a freshwater dominated wetland as Willow and Shellabarger Creek's outlet was blocked. In 1988 the saltwater flow was reestablished by opening the tidegate most of the year. As a result the marsh has now reverted towards its former saltwater condition. The cattails have diminished and the site contains diverse wildlife habitat supported by both fresh and saltwater vegetation.

The Edmonds Marsh Interpretive Walkway includes over 300 feet of boardwalk, 1700 feet of asphalt walkway, and four interpretive stations chronicaling the history, habitat and wildlife of this unique salt and fresh water marsh estuary.

The walkway is used by birders, the public, and Edmonds Ranger-Naturalists leading educational interpretive programs.

The City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department invites everyone to come and visit this hidden gem along our waterfront. The Interpretive Walkway is located south of Harbor Square at Dayton Street, west of State Route 104. Look for the signs.