Skookum Inlet Natural Area Preserve

Skookum Inlet Natural Area Preserve
This 143-acre preserve protects a variety of salt-marsh communities and tideflats, along with a second growth forested buffer, that are important examples of wetland ecosystems in the southern Puget Sound. Chum and coho salmon spawn in the small creek which enters the estuary protected within the preserve.

Features Protected: Three salt-marsh ecosystem types (low intertidal, high salinity, silty marsh; high intertidal, high salinity marsh; and high intertidal, low salinity marsh) and associated plant communities
Ecoregion: Puget Trough (Mason County)

Science, Research and Monitoring

Public and private universities, other research institutions and individual researchers may contact DNR to propose a research project at the site. If you are interested in pursuing research at Skookum Inlet NAP, contact David Wilderman, natural areas ecologist, at david.wilderman@dnr.wa.gov

Examples of research and monitoring projects

  • Stream channel restoration monitoring, including physical channel characteristics, aquatic invertebrates, and fish use

Environmental Education and Public Access

Currently, no formal educational programs are available at Skookum Inlet NAP. The site is not ADA accessible and facilities are not available. For more information, contact the DNR South Puget Sound Region natural areas manager.