Hat Island

Ray Stephanson, former Everett mayor, looks over the city during a photo of 2015 in Everett, Washington. Stephanson sees  Utah’s “housing first” model – dealing with homelessness first before tackling related issues – is one Everett and Snohomish County should adopt. (Andy Bronson/ The Herald)

On Hat Island, longtime Everett mayor finds way back in public office

Ray Stephanson won his Hat Island fire commissioner seat by a landslide, 52-3. He’s also vice-president of the community association.

 

Surfgrass Kelp Tongue Point (Bart Christiaen)

A scramble to save Puget Sound’s precious kelp and eelgrass

A new protection zone for marine vegetation in Snohomish County is a big first step toward future efforts.

 

Arriving at Hat Island Marina early Thursday, islanders begin disembarking the Hat Island Ferry, which is called the “Hat Express.” At the top of the ramp stands Ray Brown, the captain. Below him on the dock are crew members Ryan Taisey, first mate (left) and Michael Jablinske. (Dan Bates / The Herald)

Hat Island: The somewhat secret, other-worldy Northwest gem

The rules are lax, it’s not public, and residents of the small isle off Everett like it that way.

 

This gray whale stopped by Hat Island to spout off and eat

This gray whale stopped by Hat Island to spout off and eat

The 35-foot mammal came within feet of the beach, giving humans and a couple of dogs quite a show.

This gray whale stopped by Hat Island to spout off and eat
Volunteer firefighter Scott Murphy, of Federal Way, goes through a rig check in 2012 on Hat Island. The Hat Island fire department is entirely staffed by volunteers. The rigs in the fleet date back to the 1980s and earlier. Soon they are getting a 1991 model, formerly used in Machias. (Sara Weiser / The Herald)

Lake Stevens donates surplus fire truck to Hat Island

One of Snohomish County’s rural, all-volunteer fire departments is getting a “new” engine with the help of some distant neighbors. A 1991… Continue reading

Volunteer firefighter Scott Murphy, of Federal Way, goes through a rig check in 2012 on Hat Island. The Hat Island fire department is entirely staffed by volunteers. The rigs in the fleet date back to the 1980s and earlier. Soon they are getting a 1991 model, formerly used in Machias. (Sara Weiser / The Herald)

Mammoth tooth found near Everett

HAT ISLAND - Patti McClinchy still can’t believe she unearthed a fossilized molar belonging to a mammoth that roamed the frozen land at least 10,000… Continue reading

Fire district levies, leadership on ballot

Tuesday’s election will determine if voters in two Snohomish County fire districts want to increase taxes to pay for additional services. The election also will… Continue reading

A lot can be learned from a mammoth molar

During the most recent Ice Age, this slice of North America was a prime stomping ground for mammoths. The giant elephant-like beasts were heavily concentrated… Continue reading

Where you can spot gray whales as they swim our way

If you missed the southbound gray whale migration earlier this year, you’re in luck: The West Coast’s 20,000 Pacific gray whales are already making their… Continue reading

Whale may be regaining strength

A gray whale spotted near Hat Island west of Everett on Thursday evening is believed to be the same whale that beached itself three times… Continue reading

Stranded gray whale now swimming strongly, experts say

A gray whale spotted near Hat Island west of Everett Thursday evening is believed to be the same whale that beached itself three times a… Continue reading

Reader helps solve mystery of whale photo shot from Everett

Jeffrey Lee is a fisherman at heart. And a philanthropist. He snapped a photo of a whale off the Everett waterfront in 1991. He was… Continue reading

On Hat Island, firefighters volunteer for the love of it

On drill day, the Hat Island firefighters got a “call” before they even got to the station. The younger ones, with jobs… Continue reading

Rare waterspout spotted Saturday near Hat Island

A waterspout — a tornado that touches a body of water — formed near Hat Island on Saturday afternoon, giving witnesses a… Continue reading

Hat Islanders may have to pay for new power cable

Electricity customers on Hat Island might find themselves having to pay for a new underwater cable to bring power to their homes, and… Continue reading

Woman dedicates statue to late husband and all firefighters

HAT ISLAND — A memorial of a firefighter now stands overlooking a spot that might be one of Snohomish County’s best kept scenic secrets. On… Continue reading