Our Saturday road trip this week was to the Kukutali Preserve, 'the first Tribal State Park in the history of the United States to be co-owned and jointly managed by a federally recognized Indian tribe (the Swinomish Tribe) and a state government.

There was a lot to see on the 3 hiking trails and environs, even at this time of the year.  We enjoyed our time there and were surprised that there were so few visitors.



The route began with a big hill.


At the foot of the hill was a pocket estuary, offering a refuge for rare
endangered native plants and animals.


There were lots of ducks enjoying the day.
These Buffleheads were performing some great aerobatics.


Tim and I take the North Trail which has some elevation gain.


Up we go.


There are many big old trees, just waiting for a hug from me.


Tim loves the trees too.


The forest is beginning to show some color.


I loved the vibrant ornamental plum blossoms.


When we descended via the North Trail we found ourself in a picnic area.
There was also a rest room - how nice to have one at each end of the trail.


A lovely little California Quail sang from a nearby bush.


A path led to a Tombolo -
'a landform in which an island is attached
to the mainland by a narrow piece of land such as a spit or bar.
Once attached, the island is then known as a tied island
'.


In the other direction was a beach covered with driftwood.


A Great Blue Heron watched our every move from the top of a nearby tree.


We could see the Deception Pass Bridge from this point.


It's time to head back along the South Trail. 



A Rufous Hummingbird came out to say Goodbye.


We heard and saw a lot of Bald Eagles as we emerged from the woods.

Tim and I agreed that we will look forward to visiting the Kukutali Preserve again...and again.