Hoypus Point Restoration

The Story of Hoypus Point 

In the early 1900s, Hoypus Point was the southern terminus for a ferry that crossed Deception Pass to Yokeko Point on Fidalgo Island. Once the Deception Pass bridge was constructed in 1935, the ferry became obsolete; however, some infrastructure from the ferry terminal remained on site. This included 350 linear feet of shoreline armor and debris that was interfering with coastal processes and smothering habitat.

In November of 2022, 350 linear feet of shoreline armor and debris and 1/3 acre of fill were removed. Following construction, SSA, Island County Marine Resources Committee, and community volunteers added 1,300 trees, shrubs, grasses, and perennials to reestablish a marine riparian corridor to benefit salmon, forage fish, and birds. These native trees and shrubs will reestablish shading and stability of the shoreline and will need to be maintained for several years as they grow. This project restored nearshore processes and habitat for fish and wildlife while also improving access to the beach. 

The Hoypus Point project is the third phase of nearshore habitat restoration at the Cornet Bay Day Use Site. Click HERE for more information about the habitat and restoration at Cornet Bay or stop by the park and check out the interpretive signs located near the park shelter. 

COLLABORATORS: This project was a result of collaboration with Washington State Parks (Deception Pass State Park), Island County Marine Resources Committee, Whidbey Island Conservation District, Blue Coast Engineering, and PNW Civil, Inc. 

BEFORE                                                  AFTER         

Image credit to Dawn Spilsbury ‎ 

Get Involved

The Salish Sea Alliance continues to steward the Hoypus Point restoration project, watering, weeding, and planting as needed to help native vegetation thrive. These efforts strengthen critical connections between nearshore and backshore habitats and create meaningful opportunities for community members to protect native ecosystems during our volunteer stewardship days. Visit our EVENTS PAGE to learn how you can get involved! 

FUNDING: Initial funding for site identification and feasibility was paid for by Puget Sound Partnership, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Shell Oil Company, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Funding to support design, permitting, and construction has been provided by grants from the Washington State Salmon Recovery Funding Board and Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Estuary & Salmon Restoration Program.