Woodard Bay
An easy one mile hike to the Overlook, combined with an easy 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 mile hike out to the Weyer Point. From these trails you'll be able to observe one of the largest heron rookeries in our state, in addition to many sea birds, seals, and other creatures.
getting there
Take Exit 109 (Martin Way Exit) off of I-5 and turn right onto Sleater-Kinney Road NE. Drive 4.5 miles and another 0.4 mile when it becomes 56th Ave NE. Turn right at the "T" onto Shincke Rd NE and drive 0.5 mile, bearing left onto Woodard Bay Rd NE. Cross the bridge over Woodard Bay and turn into the parking lot on your right.
on the trail
The Overlook trail closes mid-March to mid-August. When it's open, view the many heron nests high in the alder trees. This trail is level and 3-4 feet wide. Then on to the Woodard Bay trails, first walk the Whitman Road (trail) with very little elevation gain and out to Weyer Point. Return on the Loop Trail, which is through the forest and longer. Or return on the Whitman Trail for a shorter trip.
about the natural resources conservation area
- Facilities at the beach include covered picnic area, restroom, and informative interpretive signs.
- The area is home to a bat nursery, heron rookery, and cormorant rookery.
INFORMATION FOR LEADERS
- Permits are required in this area for all fee-based (course-related) activities, regardless of group size, and all free activities involving 13 or more people. Leaders may list trips at this route/place with the understanding that they need to verify that a permit has been obtained before running the trip (if required as outlined above). Permit applications are submitted to WA Department of Natural Resources annually in December. Please contact staff at info@mountaineers.org with any additional questions.
- Please follow the guidelines in the Woodard Bay NRCA Field Trip Information document.
- If you plan to take more than 10 people, please contact the land manager.
- Suitable Activities: Day Hiking, Naturalist
- Seasons: Year-round
- Weather: View weather forecast
- Difficulty: Easy
- Length: 3.0 mi
- Elevation Gain: 50 ft
- 50 ft
- Land Manager: Woodard Bay NRCA
- Parking Permit Required: Discover Pass
- Recommended Party Size: 10
- Maximum Party Size: 20
- Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12
| Name/Description |
|---|
| Woodard Bay NRCA Field Trip Information Information for scheduling an educational outing to Woodard Bay Natural Resources Conservation Area with Friends of Woodard Bay, and guidelines to follow if planning your own outing. |