Petition to Prevent a Golf Course on Westport Light State Park
Constructing a golf course and all its amenities, including lodging, a clubhouse, retail store, restaurants, and concessions throughout Westport Light State Park, has been proposed and, if constructed, will destroy […]
Lewis County: Fun Birding Places to Explore!
Lewis County is widely overlooked by the multitudes of birders in the “big cities” up north. It’s very rural, has few main roads, and is quite out-of-the way for city folk. There are few large parks and fewer big attractions. It is a land-locked county, with the majority of it encompassing farmland or various tree farms. However, birds still live in Lewis, and in great abundance. The secret is knowing where to search.
Theler Wetlands Nature Preserve
Theler Wetlands in Belfair, WA is part of the Union River estuary. Due to extensive ecosystem restoration work there, wildlife habitat is making a comeback.
Lewis County Willapa Hills State Park Trail
Willapa Hills State Park Trail is one of our less well-known parks. The beginning is at the Chehalis Trailhead and it goes for a relatively flat 56 miles to Willapa Bay although there are closed sections due to mudslides.
BILLY Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge
The Refuge is open year-round, from sunrise to sunset. The Visitor Center is open 9:00 to 4:00 Wednesday through Sunday except on major holidays. It is staffed by volunteers and has loaner binoculars, field guides and passes for sale as well as a book store and gift shop. The refuge has a $3.00 parking fee unless you have a federal pass. No pets are allowed on the refuge. There are four accessible parking spaces with no curbs or other barriers to the trails and visitor center.
Birding without Breakfast/Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually Wildlife Refuge
Birding and Breakfast is back … but without the Breakfast, at least for now. Join us September 4 at Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, at 7:30 a.m. at the Visitor Center overlook.
East Lewis County
The mountains in East Lewis County are beautiful and majestic places to visit. Each place I list is free to access, though only the pullouts and scenic viewpoints are (mostly) ADA-friendly.
Deschutes Falls County Park
Deschutes Falls is a 155 acre Thurston County day-use park opened to the public in 2017. It is located at the end of Bald Hills Rd about 15 miles southeast of Yelm (25005 Bald Hill Rd.). There are a myriad of driving routes to the park, some very scenic, from the Olympia area.
Mission Creek Nature Park
Mission Creek Nature Park is a 37 acre city park nestled in northeast Olympia. It encompasses a wide variety of habitats, including wetlands, open grasslands and mixed forests.
Mysteries of Hood’s Elbow: Birding the Tahuya Hinterlands
In the northeast quadrant of Mason County, the long waterway of Hood Canal makes a sharp turn to the east, nearly surrounding a little-visited, bird-rich landscape with stunning Olympic Mountain views (weather permitting).