Edgewater Park | Mount Vernon

Edgewater Park in Mount Vernon, Washington, is a 54-acre riverfront park that masterfully blends natural riverine habitat, recreational opportunities, and community engagement spaces. Located at 600 Behrens Millet Road in West Mount Vernon, the park sits on an oxbow of the Skagit River, offering one of the most scenic and ecologically vital public spaces in the Skagit Valley. It’s popular among families, outdoor enthusiasts, and cultural event-goers alike.

🌿 Natural Features and Environmental Significance

Edgewater Park’s greatest asset is its direct connection to the Skagit River, both ecologically and recreationally.

Skagit River Access: The park runs along a large bend in the river, allowing for panoramic views and immediate access to riverbank areas. Native trees such as red alder, cottonwood, and willow line the shores, offering shade and a natural buffer from flooding.

Restored Side Channel Habitat: Between 2003 and 2006, a major restoration reconnected an old side channel to improve off-channel habitat for juvenile Chinook, chum, coho, and steelhead salmon. This allows young salmon a place to feed, grow, and rest away from strong currents-a critical survival feature in their lifecycle.

Riparian Vegetation Recovery: Over 4,000 native plants have been planted since 2013 to restore natural flora and improve bank stabilization. Regular community planting and invasive species removal have dramatically improved the park’s ecological health.

Wildlife Observation: Frequent sightings include bald eagles, great blue herons, beavers, and various migratory birds. Interpretive signage educates visitors about the wildlife and the importance of habitat restoration.

🏞️ Trails and River Recreation

Walking Paths: A combination of paved and unpaved trails loop through meadows, wooded zones, and riverfront. Walkers, runners, and cyclists use these paths year-round.

Boat Launch: A public freshwater boat ramp gives kayakers, canoers, and anglers direct access to the river. The launch is relatively gentle, making it user-friendly for solo paddlers or families.

Beach Access: When water levels are low, sandbars emerge along the riverbank. Visitors often enjoy skipping rocks, sunbathing, or letting children play in the sand.

Fishing: The river is seasonally open for salmon and steelhead fishing. The shoreline offers plenty of casting spots with minimal brush interference.

🎯 Recreation Facilities

Edgewater Park offers varied and well-maintained facilities that cater to a broad audience:

Disc Golf Course: Installed in 2019, the 18-hole championship-level disc golf course spans over 6,500 feet and includes technical shots through forested zones and open fields. It’s free to play and updated via the UDisc app.

Playground: A well-shaded children's playground includes swings, slides, climbing features, and a nearby picnic shelter.

Softball and Soccer Fields: The park has four regulation-size softball fields with dugouts and bleachers, as well as open space suitable for soccer and other field sports.

Picnic Shelters: Several uncovered and covered picnic areas are distributed throughout the park, with tables, benches, and grill stations available on a first-come, first-served basis or by reservation.

🎶 Cultural & Community Events

Edgewater Park is the heart of some of Mount Vernon’s most beloved festivals and gatherings:

Skagit Valley Highland Games: Hosted every July, this event celebrates Scottish culture with athletic competitions, piping, dancing, and vendors.

Skagit River Salmon Festival: A September celebration that emphasizes salmon conservation, cultural heritage, and environmental education. It features live music, tribal demonstrations, kids' zones, and food booths.

Fourth of July Festival: A family-friendly event with games, food trucks, live bands, and a view of the downtown fireworks show across the river.

Concert Stage: A large open-air stage allows for music festivals, theatrical performances, and outdoor movie nights during warmer months.

🛠️ Amenities and Accessibility

Restrooms: Permanent restrooms with changing stations are available and maintained regularly.

Parking: A large parking area near the sports fields accommodates vehicles, trailers (for boats), and school buses during festivals.

ADA Accessibility: Trails, restrooms, picnic areas, and the boat launch are ADA-accessible, ensuring inclusive access for all visitors.

Pet Policy: Dogs are welcome on leash. Pet waste stations are available throughout the park.

🔧 Park Management & Volunteer Efforts

Managed by: Mount Vernon Parks and Enrichment Services.

Community Involvement: Groups like the Skagit Fisheries Enhancement Group and local volunteers maintain native planting zones, conduct habitat monitoring, and organize educational events.

Rentals & Permits: Facilities including shelters, sports fields, and event spaces can be rented for private or organizational use.

🕘 Hours and Guidelines

Open Daily: Dawn to dusk

No Alcohol: Alcoholic beverages are prohibited without special event permits

Contact Info: Reservations and inquiries are handled through Mount Vernon Parks at (360) 336‑6215

🧭 Summary

Edgewater Park is more than just a green space-it’s a dynamic, multifunctional destination that bridges recreation, cultural celebration, and ecological stewardship. Whether you’re casting a line in the Skagit, enjoying a concert, launching a kayak, playing disc golf, or joining a festival, the park offers year-round experiences in a setting shaped by water, nature, and community effort. Its transformation from a simple riverside field to a regionally significant park is a testament to Mount Vernon’s commitment to preserving both its natural heritage and civic life.