Description
Upon reaching the island, stop at the bulletin board and pick up a trail map. This site offers over 2.5 miles of trails through woodland, marsh, swamp and forested riparian edges. During migration, thrushes and warblers are plentiful, and a variety of water birds can be seen throughout the year. Given the density of the surrounding urban development, the forested area acts as a crucial focal point for bird life, particularly during migration. The site provides excellent winter viewing habitat. This site is proximate to major urban facilities such as Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and is a convenient site for viewers seeking a nearby destination.
Note: Restrooms on the island close for the winter, usually from October to April. During this time a portable toilet is located near the restrooms.
Wildlife Sightings
Birds Recently Seen at Theodore Roosevelt Island:
- Wild Turkey
- Great Blue Heron
- Barred Owl
- Red-bellied Woodpecker
- Downy Woodpecker
- Northern Flicker
- Blue Jay
- American Crow
- Carolina Chickadee
- Tufted Titmouse
species have been reported at this site to date.
Recent Checklists:
| Date | # of Species | Submitted By |
|---|---|---|
| 3 Feb 2026 | 19 | Nate Graham |
| 2 Feb 2026 | 18 | Jeffrey Light |
| 2 Feb 2026 | 13 | Zack Siegfried |
| 31 Jan 2026 | 14 | Sarah Jacobson |
| 27 Jan 2026 | 8 | Thomas Heiman |
Amenities & Accessibility Considerations
Site Amenities
- On-site Parking
- Restrooms
- No Fee or Permit/Pass Requirement
Other Site Amenities: Hiking Trails, Interpretive Program/Events
Maps & Directions
Physical Address: George Washington Memorial Parkway, northbound lanes between Roosevelt Bridge and Key Bridge, Arlington, VA 22209
From Previous Site on the Great Falls Loop of VBWT:
From Roaches Run Waterfowl Sanctuary, return to the George Washington Memorial Parkway (GWMP) South and take the first exit for Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Follow the signs for GWMP and get one GWMP North. Travel 4.0 miles and exit right to the entrance of Theodore Roosevelt Island. Go to the south end of the parking lot and cross the pedestrian bridge to Theodore Roosevelt Island.
Site Information
Managed By:
- National Park Service
Access Requirements:
Contact Information:
- Visit Website
Sites, or portions of sites, can be closed periodically for management activities. Please always check the site’s website for additional information prior to visiting.