Scenic landscape with tall pine trees, grassy fields, and a cloudy blue sky.

Beaverton Marsh Preserve

A peaceful wetland sanctuary rich in wildlife, wildflowers, and forested trails!

Green tree icons, one with a pine shape and one with a round canopy, on a white background.
Silhouette of a green bird perched on a branch against a white background.
Simple green flower icon with three blossoms on white background.
Trail signs in a forest for the "Red-Tail Trail" and humorous dog sign. The trail sign features a bird and the dog sign humorously reminds dog owners to keep dogs on a leash.
Forest pathway with trees and a moss-covered rock.
Entrance sign at Beaverton Marsh Preserve beside a wooden boardwalk surrounded by trees and vegetation.

Beaverton Marsh Preserve is one of the largest wetland areas on San Juan Island, offering a quiet and secluded hiking experience through a mix of forested trails, open marshlands, and seasonal ponds. This protected habitat is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including great blue herons, wood ducks, red-winged blackbirds, and black-tailed deer. The preserve provides excellent opportunities for birdwatching, wildlife photography, and peaceful nature walks away from more heavily trafficked areas.

Trails wind through dense woodlands and wetland edges, where hikers can observe the changing landscape throughout the seasons. In spring and early summer, the marsh is particularly vibrant with blooming wildflowers such as common camas, buttercups, lupine, and shooting stars, attracting butterflies and pollinators. Along the trails, salmonberries flourish, providing an important food source for birds and wildlife. The trails are relatively flat and easy, making Beaverton Marsh a great destination for families and casual walkers.

A recent addition to the preserve, the Redtail Trail is a half-mile gravel loop that connects directly to John O. Linde Community Park via a 72-foot boardwalk. This scenic path offers valley views and convenient access from Friday Harbor—perfect for a quick nature escape without the need for a car. It marks the first phase of a long-term effort to connect the island’s trail systems more closely with town.

Trail Details

Distance: Varies, with easy walking loops and wetland access points

Difficulty: Easy; mostly flat trails with minimal elevation change

Family-Friendly: Yes, ideal for nature walks and wildlife viewing and dogs are allowed on leash

How to Get There: Access the main preserve via Halvorsen Road off Roche Harbor Road; parking available at the trailhead
The Redtail Trail is accessed from John O. Linde Community Park via a 72-foot boardwalk.

Facilities: No restrooms or picnic areas at the main preserve. Restrooms and picnic tables are available at John O. Linde Community Park, which provides access to the Redtail Trail.

Accessibility: Some trails may be seasonally muddy due to wetland conditions. The Redtail Trail offers a gently graded, accessible gravel path suitable for a wide range of users.

Features: Expansive marshlands, forested trails, seasonal ponds, excellent birdwatching, diverse wildlife, and seasonal wildflowers including camas, buttercups, lupine, and shooting stars

Moss-covered rocks with pink wildflowers in a forest setting, surrounded by green foliage and trees.
Forest path with tall trees and green foliage under a blue sky with clouds.