It is connected to the smaller Minor Island, to its east, by a low spit that is covered at high tide.
The low, grassy islands have a few trees and are an important habitat for seabirds, and the beaches are a resting site for sea lions.
The island is also the site of a weather station operated by the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Smith Island was discovered in 1791 by José María Narváez, who called it Isla de Bonilla.
[1] Travel to these islands requires the largest open-water transit in Washington State.