Naturalist Trip - Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge

The tour will include a leisurely stroll through the wetlands on boardwalks along the Grays Harbor estuary. There will be several stops during the hike to learn about native plants and wildlife. This refuge at Bowerman Basin covers only two percent of the intertidal habitat but hosts up to 50% of migrating shorebirds in spring. Grays Harbor Wildlife Refuge is a wonderful place to spend time strolling among willows, alders, and cottonwoods. Once inhabited by the Coastal Salish people as a spot for fishing, hunting, and gathering berries, this land is now managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. This area is preserved for the benefit of wildlife, native plants, and public enjoyment. It is a popular destination for birders wanting to watch shorebirds migrating each spring and fall. If you bring binoculars or a spotting scope, you might be able to see sandpipers, dunlin, dowitchers, and semipalmated plovers. Along the boardwalk, various birds can be seen in the trees, grasses, and shrubs. The conservation area includes over 1,500 acres of wetlands, forests, and marine shorelines to enjoy.

Make sure to use the restrooms in Aberdeen or Hoqium. There are no restroom facilities at the trailhead.

We will be meeting at the parking lot for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge at 10 am. We will meet just past the airport hangars at the trailhead.  Address: 1000 Airport Way, Hoquiam, WA 98550