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Trip

Urban Adventure - Woodard Bay

Walk the short road out to the Woodard Bay beach to learn about the history of the bat colony there. Have an evening snack while waiting for the bats to begin to fly. At dusk, watch the mother bats fly from their colony before heading back to the cars as darkness falls.

  • Easy
  • For Beginners (Getting Started Series)
  • Mileage: 3.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 50 ft

Sunset is at 9:01 pm and that is when the bats begin to fly from their colony under the pilings and head toward Capital Lake.  Meet at the Woodard Bay parking lot at 7:30 to begin the 3/4 mile walk to the beach and observation area.  Stop along the way to watch the huge cormorant rookery across the bay as the birds settle down in their nests for the night.  At the observation area, learn about bats, share an evening snack while waiting for the bats to begin to fly.  Hold still and they will zig and zag past you!  Be back at the parking lot by 9:45 in time for a late bedtime!

Discover Pass required to park at the Woodard Bay parking lot on Woodard Bay road.  Consider carpooling there as parking is limited.

Bathroom is available at end of walk, but not at trailhead.

This is a family activity.  All adults must be accompanied by a registered child!

As with all family activities, parents or grandparents are responsible for supervising their own children.

 

Route/Place
Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

Family Essentials   (one parent must have 10 essentials, kids have supplies as appropriate to age, including a warm wrap and water.)

Every family needs  headlamps and/or good flashlights with fresh batteries for the return trip.

Binoculars for bird viewing if you have good ones.  Mountaineers binoculars will be brought by leader, including kid and adult sizes.

Bug spray recommended.

Warm gear for evening.  Bring rain gear if it is a light rain---heavy rain will cancel event.

Bring a snack to share or enjoy the leader's trail treats!

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