Kerry Island was reconnected to its natural floodplain in 2016 and restoration is ongoing. This wetland island is best experienced by boat, though it is possible to walk in. It is a popular spot for waterfowl hunting, which can be reserved through ODFW.
Recreational Activities: Hunting, Fishing, Birdwatching, Boating
Access:
⇒ Day use only
⇒ Waterfowl hunting must be reserved through ODFW. To provide a more enjoyable experience, access is limited to one party at a time.
⇒ Boating: the closest put-in is the Westport County Park boat ramp
⇒ Fishing and other activities: open to walk-in or boat-in access, no permission needed
Dogs: Allowed
Amenities: None
Trails: There is a short, 0.25-mile trail along the remaining dike. It starts at the gate. This trail is infrequently maintained; usually a crew of volunteers cut back vegetation in the late summer before hunting season begins.
Acreage: 109 acres
County: Columbia County
Nearest Town: Clatskanie, OR
Directions: Park off Carver Road, at 46°07’37.1″N 123°20’42.8″W. There is room for 1-2 vehicles on the dirt driveway. Please don’t block gates. Walk in through the gate on the dike trail.
Tips for Visiting: Kerry Island is extremely tidal, so please check tide charts and be aware of rising and falling water, as well as submerged hazards. The shoreline can be muddy and slippery, and low-lying land may be very marshy. Waders or a boat (put in at the Westport County Park boat ramp) are recommended. Hunters must make a reservation through Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW). Non-hunters, please avoid visiting during reserved hunting days. Please be respectful of neighbors and their livestock.
Year Conserved: 2013
About: Kerry Island was previously diked and drained for cattle grazing. Columbia Land Trust conserved Kerry Island in 2013 and reconnected it with the natural floodplain in 2016. This large restoration project created tidal channels and improved habitat for juvenile salmon and steelhead. Since restoration, native plantings and invasive grass control have helped the site rebound with wapato, sedges, rushes, and abundant wildlife including birds, pollinators, beavers, river otters, and Columbian white-tailed deer. Learn more about this project.
Project Partners: Bonneville Power Administration, Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership, and Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife