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The Stanwood/Camano Island area is home to beautiful and active natural environments that are full of native PNW wildlife.
If you’re looking to reconnect with the natural world and appreciate some beautiful animals from a respectful distance, then Stanwood and Camano Island are the perfect places to start!
This article will introduce you to some of the wildlife species that live on Camano Island and in the surrounding area (both land and sea) so you’ll know where to look next time you want to get outside and see some flora and fauna.
Wildlife in Washington State and Camano Island
The state of Washington is home to many remarkable wildlife species. It’s known for its colonies of bald eagles, orca whales, and salmon. Additionally, it is home to mountain goats, geese, and so much more. Let’s take a closer look at some of the wildlife species you can spot within this small corner of the PNW.
Small Mammals
The forests of Camano Island and the surrounding area are full of familiar small mammals that you can see while taking a hike and enjoying some incredible views. These include chipmunks, raccoons, and rabbits, which can be particularly exciting for young children to spot as they trudge along on a family hike. In more wooded areas of the island, you might be able to spot elk, mule deer, and black tail deer.
Different Kinds of Birds
For those of you who enjoy bird-watching as a hobby, Stanwood and Camano Island are must-visit spots! In Camano Island’s Iverson Spit Preserve alone, there are over 150 species of birds to observe.
Camano Island has many trails that are known for their magnificent bird-watching spots, which means you’re in store for a memorable experience no matter where you go. Depending on the season, some of the birds you might see include the Yellow Warbler, Cedar Waxwing, Osprey, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, and the Pigeon Guillemot.
Aquatic Creatures
Along the coastline and near the Island’s beaches, you will find many incredible marine life species that live both near and far from the shore. It’s recommended that you get a good pair of binoculars, as there’s a chance for you to witness whales breaking from underneath the surface.
Along with that, otters and other wildlife can often be seen playing in the water, swimming, or just basking in the sun. The sight is sure to capture your attention, especially if you’ve never seen it before! Some of the rarer wildlife you can observe on Camano Island (or nearby on whale-watching tours) includes rare species such as gray whales and orca whales, both of which are breathtaking to experience.
Camano Island State Park
If you’re intrigued by the wildlife species you can see in this area of the PNW, one of the safest ways to go about it is by visiting the Camano Island State Park. Covering hundreds of acres, including about 6,700 ft of shoreline, this publicly owned recreation park sits on Camano Island’s western shore.
Camano Island State Park will give you plenty of opportunities to see all kinds of wildlife, from animals that live in the woods to those that reside in the water and on the beaches. Depending on when you visit, you might see:
- Mammals such as otters, chipmunks, rabbits, skunks, deer, and elk.
- Sea life such as salmon, shellfish, crabs, sharks, eels, and cod.
- Birds like owls, bald eagles, hummingbirds, ducks, geese, and many more.
Along with the opportunity to see wildlife species, the park also offers you a variety of activities like swimming, diving, and fishing. It has a campground, restroom, and shower facilities for those who want to camp out for a few days and is also home to a 3-mile long biking and hiking trail, along with boat ramps that give you access to Puget Sound.
In Conclusion
If you want to see some wildlife on your next vacation — or if you just want to familiarize yourself with the wildlife right outside your front door — use this article as your guide. Full of incredible sights, beautiful wildlife species, and offering a variety of activities, Stanwood and Camano Island are excellent spots for those who want to enjoy nature in its full majesty.
Enjoy your hikes among the dense forests and along the scenic coastline all the more with the anticipation that you might see your favorite animal in the wild!
Camano Island and the surrounding area are also ideal for those who have more nature-based hobbies such as bird watching and fishing, as it has dedicated spots for you to relax and enjoy your pastimes.
