San Juan County Conservation Land Bank
Beaverton Marsh Preserve
San Juan Island
Activities
Conservation Features
Located northwest of the town of Friday Harbor, the Conservation Land Bank’s 477-acre Beaverton Marsh Preserve protects a vital and expansive wetland system, rich agricultural lands, scenic views and essential wildlife habitat. Grazing cattle, rows of baled hay, open pasture, and family memories closely link 128-acres of homestead to the agricultural heritage of our islands. With nearly a mile of frontage on Roche Harbor Road, Beaverton Marsh has outstanding scenic value as one of the gateways into the Town of Friday Harbor. The Preserve includes a significant portion of one of the most expansive wetland systems in the county, attracting and sustaining numerous species of wildlife including rare Eurasian widgeons and the more common American widgeon, trumpeter swans, hooded mergansers, and bufflehead ducks also visit the wetland in winter.
Following the initial 128-acre acquisition, 7 additional acres of wetland immediately adjacent were acquired, and in 2019, another 325 acres, including much of Beaverton Marsh and adjacent upland. With the San Juan Preservation Trust’s existing preserves around the marsh, the 2019 acquisition created a nearly 500-acre conservation area just outside the town limits of Friday Harbor.
477
ACRES PRESERVED
Trail Description
Both the John O. Linde Community Park trailhead, located at the eastern portion of the Preserve, and the Halvorsen Road Trailhead are open for daytime pedestrian, bicycle and equestrian use. If you are an avid bird enthusiast, the pullout located off Beaverton Valley Road provides a fantastic opportunity to watch for winter waterfowl – follow the short path that leads to an overlook of the southern portion of the preserve.
Preserve Map
When you visit
• Stay on designated trails.
• Day use only, no camping.
• No fires.
• Leash your dog and pack out waste.
• Follow leave no trace principles. Take nothing and leave nothing.
Driving Directions
Linde Community Park Access Point from the Friday Harbor ferry landing:
Turn left onto Spring Street. At 0.2 miles turn right onto Second Street. At 0.5 miles turn right onto Tucker Avenue. At 0.8 miles turn left onto Larson Street. At 1.0 miles turn right onto Carter Avenue. At 1.1 miles arrive John O. Linde Community Park parking area.
Halvorsen Road Trailhead from the Friday Harbor ferry landing:
Turn left onto Spring Street. At 0.2 miles, turn right onto Second Street. At 0.5 miles turn right onto Tucker Avenue. At 0.9 miles road name changes to Roche Harbor Road. At 2.7 miles turn left onto Halvorsen Road. Continue on Halvorsen Road for 0.4 miles to the end. Turn left onto Taylor Way; the trailhead is located on the immediate right.
Click the links below to see what flora and fauna others are observing at this Preserve.
