The Fern Cove Preserve is a natural wonder. A serene and stunning 13.5-acres of forest,  shoreline, and an estuary delta where the Cove’s two freshwater creeks meet the sea. Visitors can hike steep wooded trails, wander a sandy sweep of beach that widens by hundreds of feet at low tides, and delight in the exaltation of songbirds, shorebirds, waterfowl, eagles, osprey, herons, seals, otters, orcas and marine life along the way. Come autumn, visitors can watch the miracle of Chum and Coho salmon making their up Shinglemill Creek to spawn.

  • There are several Great Blue Herons that live near Fern Cove and they are often seen fishing at the water's edge.
    Great Blue Heron (Credit: K.S. McCormick)
  • Arctic Terns stop by on their annual migrations.
    Caspian Terns (Credit: K.S. McCormick)
  • Bald Eagles are a common sight at Fern Cove.
    Bald Eagle (Credit: K.S. McCormick)
  • There is a large family of river otters that live near Fern Cove and swim and fish in the water where the Vashon Kelp Forest will be located.
    River otter (Credit: K.S. McCormick)
  • Migrating American widgeons are a common site in the waters near Fern Cove.
    American widgeons (Credit: K.S. McCormick)
  • An Osprey with its catch.
    Osprey with a fish (Credit: K.S. McCormick)
  • Young seal resting on a rock at Fern Cove.
    Credit: Karen Davis

We have a deep commitment and responsibility to protect and preserve this environmental masterpiece in a world that is slowly threatened by commercial ventures.

Bill & Betty Morse, Fern Cove residents since 1954

The Vashon-Maury Island Land Trust created the Fern Cove Preserve in 1994 with financial support from Washington State, King County and Island donors. Fern Cove was the Land Trust’s second purchase, and remains an undisputed jewel for hikers, birdwatchers, beachcombers and anyone seeking the solace of nature. The Preserve is also home to the 1912 Belle Baldwin house, parts of which have been given historic landmark status by the King County Landmarks & Heritage Commission. The Fern Cove Preserve is jointly managed by the Land Trust and the Vashon Parks District. 

More on Fern Cove

The Birds of Vashon by Ed Swan. Constancy Press, LLC, 2013.

A Brief History of Vashon Island by Bruce Haulman. History Press, 2016.