Things to do nearJetty Island

Jetty Island is a man-made barrier island formed gradually from dredge spoils deposited by the Army Corps of Engineers beginning in the early twentieth century. What started as a practical solution to maintaining the Snohomish River navigation channel slowly became a thriving coastal ecosystem, and the City of Everett eventually opened it to the public as a seasonal recreation area.

Today the island stretches roughly two miles along the eastern shore of Port Gardner Bay, offering one of the longest sandy beaches in western Washington. The warm lagoon on its sheltered side is ideal for wading and swimming, and the open beach facing the bay suits kite flying and long afternoon walks. Kayaking around the island's perimeter is a rewarding way to take in the tidal flats and spot wildlife up close, and several outfitters in the region offer kayaking tours suited to the calm local waters.

The island sits within a designated nature area, and its diverse habitats support nesting birds, migratory shorebirds, and marine mammals. Interpretive programs run during summer, giving younger visitors an introduction to the coastal ecology of Puget Sound. The lack of permanent development keeps the atmosphere genuinely peaceful.

Jetty Island rewards those who slow down and pay attention to the landscape around them, making it one of the most distinctive free outdoor destinations in the greater Everett area.