You Can Practically Walk On Water At This Washington Wildlife Refuge
Here in Washington, we’re fortunate to be able to view abundant wildlife in its natural habitat. Lush forests and scenic beaches provide ample opportunity for wildlife observation. The Evergreen State is blanketed in rivers, lakes, and shorelines teeming with native birds and sea life. Consequently, we have found a Wildlife Refuge in Hoquiam, Washington, where you can practically walk on water as you view some of the state’s most beautiful flora and fauna.
Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge is located at the mouth of the Chehalis River in Hoquiam.
The Sandpiper Trail is a kid and wheelchair-friendly boardwalk that's relatively easy to navigate. The trail will take approximately 90 minutes to complete and offers spectacular views of native plants and wildlife.
Follow the Sandpiper boardwalk over the water to the salt marshes for wide-open views of the refuge.
Migratory birds rest, nest, and feed along the shoreline. The salt marshes provide an ideal habitat for shorebirds to build reserves during migration season.
Wildlife, including deer, coyotes, and small mammals, can be observed from the trail.
Typically in early May, the Shorebird Festival brings people from all over the world to view the spectacular site. Hundreds of thousands of shorebirds stop to rest at the refuge including sandpipers, dowitchers, and dunlins.
Spend the day with nature at the Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge where you can practically walk on water as you view breathtaking wildlife in their natural habitats. It’s family-friendly and free! Have you visited the Grays Harbor Refuge? What animals did you observe? Let us know in the comments.
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Address: Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge, Hoquiam, WA 98550, USA
Sherri Adams is a writer, photographer, and travel enthusiast from the Pacific Northwest. She has always been passionate about writing and the opportunities for connection through the written word. When she’s not writing, you can often find her at the seashore with her toes in the sand and her nose in a book.
