Saturday, 27 September, 8-noon
Leader: Kyle Leader
Description and Targets: This will be a beginner-friendly outing.
Trail information: From the parking lot off 143rd Ave SE, visitors pass through a gate, then must walk north for 1.0 mile along a two-track road through mixed conifer-deciduous forest and a lovely grove of alder near the end before reaching the prairie.
At the beginning of the prairie, the road splits and forms a large rectangular 2-mile loop that roughly follows the boundaries of the prairie and provides plenty of access for birding.
Directions and parking: West Rocky Prairie can be reached via several routes. From Olympia and Tumwater, travel south on I-5, get off at Exit 95 and drive 2.6 miles east on Hwy 121 (Maytown Rd SW) through the tiny settlement of Maytown until reaching Tilley Rd S. Turn right at the intersection and continue 1.4 miles south on Tilley Rd S to 143rd Ave SE, then turn left and drive east another 1.8 miles, watching for Knowles Rd SE on the right. Continue past Knowles Rd SE a very short distance (75 yds) and watch for a small side entrance marked with two small green WDFW signs on posts on the left, which leads immediately into the parking lot for West Rocky Prairie. A small WDFW kiosk and agency sign in the parking lot confirm that you’ve reached the right spot. The parking lot is small and can only accommodate about five cars so carpooling recommended.
West Rocky Prairie can also be accessed by taking Tilley Rd S south from the Olympia Airport. If coming north from Tenino, follow McDuff Rd SE about 1.5 miles out of town, which then turns into 143rd Ave SE at a left-hand curve with a railroad crossing, then continue another 0.5 miles on 143rd Rd SE to reach the West Rocky Prairie parking lot entrance.
Other information:
A Discover Pass is required for parking.
There are no restrooms onsite. Visitors are not required to stay on trails and are free to walk throughout the wildlife area. Don’t forget to watch for native prairie plants while visiting.
This walk is not wheel-chair accessible.
Bring: Binoculars and a field guide if you want one. Merlin Bird ID is a great phone app for identifying birds. I also suggest a hands-free pack for water, snacks, and personal items.
Dress for the conditions and for a slow walking pace; dull natural fabrics are more bird-friendly than bright synthetics. Layers are your friend!
For questions and to sign up: contact Kyle Leader at kchuckles11@yahoo.com
Photo credit: Bewick’s Wren at West Rocky Prairie, by Rachel Hudson.
