McMicken Island

McMicken Island State Park is a unique 11-acre marine park located in southern Puget Sound near Harstine Island in Pierce County. What makes this park extraordinary is that McMicken Island becomes a peninsula accessible by foot during low tides when a tombolo—a sandy isthmus—emerges connecting it to Harstine Island. During high tides, the island is surrounded by water, creating a changing landscape that delights visitors. The park offers primitive camping, beach exploration, and the fascinating experience of walking to an island that appears and disappears with the tides.

McMicken Island State Park's wildlife reflects its Puget Sound marine and forest habitats. Harbor seals frequently haul out on nearby beaches and can be observed swimming in surrounding waters. The intertidal zone exposed during low tides reveals abundant marine life including sea stars, anemones, hermit crabs, moon snails, and various shellfish species. Bald eagles nest on nearby Harstine Island and hunt over the waters. Great blue herons stalk the shallows. The island's forest supports black-tailed deer that swim to the island, raccoons, and river otters. Numerous seabirds use the area including gulls, cormorants, and various duck species.

McMicken Island's vegetation consists of Pacific Northwest coastal forest dominated by Douglas-fir, western red cedar, and Pacific madrone. Madrone is particularly prominent, its distinctive peeling reddish-orange bark adding color throughout the island. The understory includes salal, Oregon grape, oceanspray, and sword fern. The island's relatively small size and exposure to maritime influences create edge habitats throughout. Beach areas feature salt-tolerant vegetation including beach pea and various grasses adapted to tidal influence. Spring wildflowers include camas and chocolate lily in small meadow openings.

McMicken Island State Park showcases a fascinating geological feature—a tombolo, a sand and gravel bar that connects the island to Harstine Island during low tides. This feature forms through wave action and tidal currents that deposit sediment in the relatively sheltered waters between the island and mainland. The underlying geology consists of glacially-deposited sediments left when the Puget Lobe retreated approximately 14,000 years ago. The island itself is a drumlin or erosional remnant of these glacial deposits. Tides in southern Puget Sound typically range 8-12 feet, dramatically changing the landscape between high and low tides.

McMicken Island State Park experiences a temperate maritime climate typical of southern Puget Sound, with mild, wet winters and warm, relatively dry summers. Annual precipitation averages 50-60 inches, with most falling between October and May as steady rain from Pacific storms. Winter temperatures typically range from 35-50°F, with snow rare and brief. Summer daytime temperatures average 70-80°F, moderated by marine influences. Tide fluctuations create a dynamic environment requiring visitors to monitor tide tables carefully to avoid being stranded on the island during rising tides.

The McMicken Island area was historically utilized by Coast Salish peoples, particularly the Squaxin Island Tribe, who harvested abundant marine resources including shellfish, salmon, and sea mammals. The predictable tidal patterns made the tombolo a known feature for indigenous peoples who used it for seasonal access. European-American settlement of the region increased following the establishment of nearby communities in the late 1800s. The island is named after an early settler family. For many years, the island remained in private ownership until its acquisition for public recreation.

McMicken Island State Park was established in 1971 when Washington State Parks acquired the island to preserve public access to this unique natural feature and provide primitive marine camping. The park has been developed minimally to preserve its natural character, with only basic camping facilities and trails. The tombolo access makes the park unusual among Washington's marine parks, most of which require boat access. Management focuses on balancing public use with protection of the island's forest and beach ecosystems. Recent improvements have included trail maintenance and interpretive signage explaining tidal dynamics.

McMicken Island State Park's primary attraction is the unique experience of walking across the tombolo during low tide to reach the island. Visitors must time their visit carefully, consulting tide tables to ensure safe crossing before tides rise. The island features approximately 1 mile of informal trails through the forest, offering exploration of the small but diverse ecosystem. Beach walking around the island's perimeter reveals tide pools, driftwood, and views across to nearby islands. The campground provides a primitive overnight experience. Kayaking and small boat exploration of surrounding waters is popular.

McMicken Island State Park is accessible via the tombolo from Harstine Island during low tides (typically when tides are below 3-4 feet). From Olympia, take Highway 3 north, then Highway 302 west to Harstine Island, following signs to the parking area on the west side of the island. The park features 6 primitive campsites on a first-come, first-served basis (no reservations). Facilities are minimal, consisting of picnic tables, fire rings, and a composting toilet. There is no potable water—visitors must bring all supplies. The park is accessible year-round, weather and tides permitting.

McMicken Island State Park's primary conservation focus is protecting its small but ecologically rich island ecosystem and educating visitors about tidal dynamics and marine ecology. The park's unique tombolo access creates both opportunities and challenges for management. Visitor education emphasizes the importance of checking tide tables to avoid being trapped by rising tides, which can be dangerous. Beach ecology education promotes proper tide pooling etiquette to prevent damage to marine organisms. Forest management focuses on minimal intervention, preserving the natural character while removing only hazard trees.