Tucked behind quiet summer cottage neighborhoods on West Island in Fairhaven, West Island State Reservation’s forests, wetlands, and beaches feel a world away from civilization. With two miles of trails leading through 300 acres of some of Buzzards Bay’s most pristine coastal habitats, this beloved state park offers a natural retreat that outdoor enthusiasts of all ages will appreciate.

For an outdoor adventure that feels remote but is within driving distance of home, head to West Island State Reservation. West Island sits in the open waters of Buzzards Bay, about as far into the middle of the Bay as you can go without a boat. The state reservation’s rugged beaches, windswept marshes, and sheltered coves provide stunning natural views and a beautiful place to hike, ski, snowshoe, walk your dog, dig for quahogs, and enjoy the very best that the Bay has to offer.

The coastal forests and wetlands at West Island State Reservation were conserved in the late 1980s to protect these habitats and the future of Nasketucket Bay. As a result, West Island is home to some of Buzzards Bay’s cleanest, healthiest water. Eelgrass thrives in these shallow waters, providing a home for young fish, crabs, and bay scallops.

With so much protected natural land, West Island is a magnet for wildlife, from migratory birds to threatened reptiles and amphibians. Look for egrets and herons stalking fish and crabs in the salt marshes, while terns and ospreys soar over the water in search of their own prey. Among the forests, keep an eye out for turtles, deer, chipmunks, and other species hidden among the trees.