- Mount Index (summitpost.org)
Mt. Index is a Cascade Range classic. The views of the mountain from HWY 2 are awesome and seen by many each year. There are three peaks to the legendary summit ridge, commonly known as the North, Middle and Main Peak. Even though the approach is fairly close to civilization, not too many folks climb the mountain in any given season. The easiest route on the main peak is somewhat “non-technical” and is approached from the west and a moderate scree/snow climb doable in a day for a determined and fit hiker.
- Fir Island Farm Reserve Wildlife Area Unit (wdfw.wa.gov)
The Fir Island Farm Reserve is a Game Reserve with over 200 acres of restored intertidal estuary and managed agricultural land in southwest Skagit County. The reserve attracts thousands of snow geese, swans, ducks and shorebirds in the fall through early spring. The unit is managed to provide an undisturbed feeding and resting area for wintering waterfowl adjacent to Skagit Bay. Hunting and trapping is NOT allowed on this unit, but a short trail along the dike offers views of Skagit Bay and opportunities for shorebird and waterfowl viewing. A recent restoration project completed in 2016 restored approximately 130 acres of farmland to intertidal estuary providing critical juvenile rearing habitat for Endangered Species Act-listed chinook and other salmon.