Fort Steilacoom

Lakewood’s 342-acre park offers a diversity of habitat ranging from open meadows, brushy areas, hillsides, deciduous groves, coniferous woodland, and Waughop Lake. There are numerous foot trails throughout the park making exellent access for birding that has included over 150 species identified within the park. Every season in the park has its birding rewards.

This field trip will probably include walking at a leisurely pace for approximately 2-3 miles (and a few hours) around the lake as well as some of the surrounding meadows and woodlands. Birders may leave at any time. Birders of all ages and skill levels are welcome. Bring binoculars, a field guide if you have one, and food and water as needed. Wear footwear and clothing appropriate for the weather.

Meet at the newly paved parking lot between barns and Waughop Lake, at the west end of the lot nearest the lake. To locate Fort Steilacoom, which entails wending through Steilacoom (caveat: WATCH your speed limit…strictly enforced!)enter Steilacoom via DuPont-Steilacoom Rd (1-5 Exit #119) turning right onto Steilacoom’s Starling Street (4-way stop) through the small (oldest incorporated town in Washington!) town and onto Steilacoom Blvd. As you pass Western State Hospital grounds on the left (north), the south side will be Fort Steilacoom Park. Continue to the far (east) side of the park, turn right (south) at traffic light onto 87^th Ave SW. Then, in approximately 200 yards turn right into the park and immediately take a left around the south edge of the athletic fields. In 0.5 miles you’ll come to the red barns and a paved parking lot near the lake. That’s where we will meet up. Look for a silver Toyota Sienna minivan.

There are Portapotties at the parking lot but there is a permanent restroom with flush toilets at the small parking lot at the park’s playground area.