Field Trip on Willapa Hills Trail

Birding the Willapa Hills Trail at Ceres Hill Road

When: May 18, 9 AM

Where: Lewis County has many great places to enjoy nature; the Willapa Hills Trail is probably one of the best. This location offers open fields, river and riparian habitat adjacent to Ceres Hill.

Meet at the parking area on Ceres Hill Rd. and the Willapa Hills Trail at 9 AM. This is about a 20 minute drive from I-5 in Chehalis at the SR 6 / Pe Ell exit. Discover Pass required but no toilets at this site. Plan accordingly.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/v1nhfJN4nbcjB26V6

Trip Description: We’ll start our walk heading east, this follows the upper Chehalis River for a little stretch where there are likely ducks and a few waders in the shallows.

The river cuts back towards the highway allowing the trail to become more wooded and usually filled with songbirds from Western Tanagers to Black-headed Grosbeaks. We will walk to a local open field area to check for raptors and geese. This area is being developed for a small ride-in or walk-in State Park and will allow for great birding opportunities in the future.

Some species found along this section of the trail have included Northern Pygmy-Owl, Wood Ducks, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Pileated Woodpeckers, and the usual variety of migrants in spring.

Trail Conditions: Expect flat walking of over a mile out and back. Gravel and some debris.

Bring: Dress for the weather and bring binoculars, spotting scopes and guides if needed.

Please contact gracethornton12@nullgmail.com to sign up and for more information.

Photo credit: Western Tanager near Ceres Hill, by Rachel Hudson.