Willapa Hills Field Trip

NOTE:  We are unable to accommodate Covid unvaccinated individuals.

Please register for this trip with Miles McEvoy at smileybirdmiles@nullgmail.com.

Willapa Hills State Park Trail Field Trip

When: Saturday, September 24, 8-10 AM

Leader: Lin Stern

Description: Excerpt from “Lewis County Birding Locations”, by Rachel Hudson: “Perhaps the single most overlooked gem in Lewis County, this state park is a tremendous masterpiece that spans 56 miles from Chehalis in Lewis County out to South Bend in Pacific County. It is a long trail that was once a railroad, so it is flat and easy to traverse. Parts of it are paved, parts are gravel, and parts are long boardwalks or concrete bridges over beautiful rivers and streams. It traverses many, many habitats throughout its length, and is host to well over 100 species of birds in the Lewis portion alone. Reliable highlights include nesting Bullock’s Orioles and Yellow Warblers at the Chehalis entrance, Western Tanagers throughout, large numbers of Canvasbacks in winter at the Chehalis entrance, Lazuli Buntings in summer at the Shorey Road crossing, White-throated Sparrows in fall and winter at the Chehalis entrance, masses of ducks and geese, Trumpeter Swans in fields, ponds, and wetlands throughout, and so much more.”

Walking west from the Adna Trailhead, you will meander through quiet farmland and scattered trees, with several beautiful bridges over the Chehalis River within 2.5 miles of the trailhead.

Directions and parking: This trip will start at the Adna Trailhead off of Diekman Road. Discovery Pass required. Pit toilet available.

Bring: Binoculars if you have them. Dress for the conditions and for a slow walking pace.

Photo credit: Willapa Hills State Park Trail west of the Adna Trailhead, by Rachel Hudson.