Welcome to Skagit County

September 14th, 2011

Howard Miller Steelhead Park Dedication

SKAGIT COUNTY - The Skagit County Parks Department and the U.S. Forest Service have partnered in creating an informational visitor kiosk at Howard Miller Steelhead Park. The kiosk will be dedicated on September 23, 2011 at 2:30 p.m. just east of the Boat Launch at the park. The kiosk honors Howard Miller, a lifelong resident of Skagit County who was committed to public service and enjoyed fishing and the outdoors. Howard Miller served four consecutive terms as county commissioner. During his tenure, Howard was instrumental in the purchase of the first 39 acres of the park's land. The park has since expanded to greater than 100 acres. The dedication also honors other park proponents, including the Porter, Kerr, and Harris families.

One of the three panels on the new kiosk will serve as a way to commemorate the future friends of Howard Miller Steelhead Park. Each year, a friend of the park will be honored based on his or her dedication and commitment to the betterment of the scenic river and/or park. There are also signs describing the history of the ferry, cabin and canoe. The Howard Miller family provided photos and stories that assisted in the development of his commemorative panel. The late Jim Harris, local historian and former interpreter for the National Park Service, provided the background and photos for the three historical panels. We are grateful to all who contributed to these great additions to one of our counties' premier parks.

The public is invited to join the Skagit County Parks Department and the U.S. Forest Service in the dedication of the kiosk to help in honoring the important people who help maintain the park.

After the ribbon cutting at the kiosk, visitors will be taken to the new camping cabin recently constructed at the park. This is the first of four cabins the Parks Departments hopes to erect in the next two years. The cabins will allow people to visit the park and stay in relative comfort without the need of towing a heavy trailer.

For more information, contact Skagit County Parks and Recreation Director Brian Adams at briana@co.skagit.wa.us or at (360) 336-9415.