Samish East 90

Photography

Best light

Evening lightOvercast

Recommended focal length

500–800mm

• Owls hunt most in the last hour or two before dark and at dawn, and through the day when it's gray.
• Weekends draw big crowds of photographers; a weekday visit is calmer for you and the owls.
• Stay in one spot and let the owls hunt; a bird that keeps changing course to avoid you is a sign to back off.

Access

Parking

Very limited, and the few spaces at the bend are reserved for licensed hunters during waterfowl season. The West 90 lot is about 1.6 km west; check WDFW's Samish River Unit page for current parking before you go.

Trails

No trail into the fields. Viewing is from the posted wildlife viewing zone along the road edge.

Restrictions

• From the second Saturday in September to the first Saturday in February, the southern and eastern part of the unit is a Hunters Only Zone; stay in the posted viewing zone.
• Crowds here have caused traffic jams and conflicts with neighbors; pull fully off the road and never block farm access.
• Don't walk into the fields, and never chase, call or bait owls.

Before you go

• Lens: 500–800mm. Pack spare batteries; cold drains them fast.
• Review the access restrictions above and any posted closures.
• Check the weather and, on the shoreline, the tide forecast.
• Keep a respectful distance. If an animal changes its behavior, you're too close.