(Washington State Parks photo)
Deception Pass State Park has started offering rare public tours ofKiket Island, which is now in the newly-named Kukutali Preserve.Deception Pass Park director Jack Hartt says the tours started justlast Saturday and will be available every Saturday.
The Kukutali Preserve, owned and managed cooperatively by the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community and Washington State Parks, is open only for these pre-scheduled tours at the present time. Until earlier this yeear, Kiet Island was privately owned.
There are two tour times available for individuals or groups of up to 12 people. Reservations are required to visit the preserve at the present time.
This coming Saturday, Sept. 4, the tours will be led by Adam Lorio, the current Kukutali Preserve manager. Adam leaves for a new permanent job with the Samish tribe next week. After that Park director Hartt says he'll lead the tours until a new preserve manager is hired. To schedule a visit, call 360-661-0682.
The tours start at the Swinomish Northern Lights Casino western parking lot (immediately west of the main casino front door entrance) and give you a tour-van ride to the island.
The tour package will last up to a total of 2 hours, offering a chance to explore the island's forests, meadows and shorelines with your guide, and to learn about the natural, cultural, and modern history of this newest gem in the state park system. With a maximum of twelve people, the tour will allow plenty of time for questions and discussions, along with meeting other special interests anyone may have.
Kiket island is inside the boundaries of the Swinomish Reservation. The island and preserve are jointly owned and managed by the Swinomish and the state Parks Department.