The Telegraph Slough Unit is a freshwater wetland that was created when highway construction crossed the Swinomish Channel to Fidalgo Island. The Department of Natural Resources has a land-use agreement to manage the wetland for waterfowl hunting and wildlife observation.
The Telegraph Slough Unit is located on both sides of Highway 20, about 6 miles west of Interstate 5, in Skagit County. The unit can be accessed from the southside of Highway 20.
The Telegraph Slough unit is located on the south end of Padilla Bay in the Strait of Georgia. Adjacent lands are private lands that were diked and drained at the turn of the 20th century for agricultural production, mainly cereal grains, vegetables, and dairy.
This unit is part of the Skagit Wildlife Area.
Game Management Unit: 407
Getting there
Maps and directions to WDFW-managed access points for this unit. Opens Google Maps in a new tab.
Recreation and public access
A Discover Pass is required on WDFW lands -- including water access areas, wildlife areas, and campgrounds -- unless you already have a Vehicle Access Pass issued with the purchase of an eligible hunting or fishing license. Recreate responsibly on public lands: please know the Public Conduct Rules.
Public facility information:
- Parking and restrooms at WDFW Skagit Wildlife Area Headquarters Unit boat launch
Hunting
This unit is managed for waterfowl hunting and wildlife observation. Check out the Skagit Wildlife Area Waterfowl Hunting Guide (PDF) for detailed information.
Hunting advisories
- It is unlawful to possess shot (either in shotshells or as loose shot for muzzleloading) other than nontoxic shot for any purpose on this unit (WAC 220-414-040).
Wildlife viewing
This unit includes an intertidal slough and a freshwater wetland, offering opportunities to view a variety of wildlife, including waterfowl.
Google the Tweeters Info Page to find the Tweeters - Northwest Birding email list managed by the University of Washington; this list provides information about current sightings throughout Western Washington.
Search for potential birding opportunities on or near a wildlife area unit by using eBird Northwest, a citizen science database portal that provides freely-shared bird lists at 'hotspots' and interactive maps plus other birding information updated daily.
Conservation
Freshwater wetland offers habitat for waterfowl and other bird species.
Conservation goals
- Protect and restore native plant communities
- Maintain healthy populations of game and non-game species
Land stewardship
The Telegraph Slough Unit was acquired for waterfowl hunting. This unit is owned by the Department of Natural Resources and managed by WDFW.
Acquisition history
The parcels making up this area were purchased in 1971.
No specific funders assisted with purchasing these lands.
Management planning
2024 Skagit Wildlife Area Management Plan
Management of the Skagit Wildlife Area is focused on units located in the Skagit and Samish deltas east of Whidbey Island and Camano Island. These units include riparian forests, wetlands, Douglas fir forests, estuaries, floodplains, marine intertidal areas, islands, backwater sloughs, and agriculture lands. The primary management focus is on estuary and floodplain restoration, providing forage for wintering waterfowl, recovering federal and state listed species, and providing recreation.
Planning Advisory Committee
Skagit Wildlife Area Advisory Committee