Washington Department of Natural Resources

aquatic reserve

A self-guided tour of the geology of the Columbia River Gorge–Portland Airport to Skamania Lodge, Stevenson, Washington (dnr.wa.gov) (PDF) Washington is uniquely positioned for the study of the geologic and structural setting of western North America. To the south in Oregon and Nevada, extensional features predominate as reflected by basin-and-range terrain. To the east, the Rocky Mountains influence the geology of Idaho. To the north, western British Columbia is characterized by a massive coastal crystalline belt and remnants of the geologic continent Wrangellia. All of these major crustal features of the adjacent regions terminate in or near Washington…

Washington 100 Along its craggy Pacific coastline, across its alpine crest, and into its eastern scablands, Washington State offers unparalleled scenic landscapes. The Washington Geological Survey presents 100 of the quintessential places to experience Washington’s geology up close, leaving few stones unturned.

Maury Island Aquatic Reserve (www.dnr.wa.gov) The Maury Island Aquatic Reserve is located in central Puget Sound and includes 5,530 acres of state-owned aquatic lands in Quartermaster Harbor and along the eastern shoreline of Maury Island. Designated in 2004, the reserve protects extensive eelgrass beds, mudflats, forage fish spawning grounds and includes an Audubon Important Bird Area. The Aquatic Reserve is also a popular recreation area with numerous adjacent public access areas managed by King County Parks and Vashon Park District.
Point Doughty Natural Area Preserve (dnr.wa.gov) Located on the coast of Orcas Island, this 57 acre forested preserve protects natural examples of dry-site forest communities dominated by Douglas-fir, Pacific madrone, salal and ocean spray, representing the “rain shadow” vegetation that occurs in the San Juan Islands. Bald eagles feed and nest on the preserve and seals haul out on the rocky shoreline. A small state-owned recreation site on the point is used for marine mammal study, kayak and small boat camping, as well as outdoor education through nearby, privately owned Camp Orkila.