Willapa National Wildlife Refuge, Washington, United States
4.5 (38 reviews) Friday: 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM Spent Ranking #7 in Ilwaco Nature & Wildlife Areas
Birds and a few other creatures, even in winter
Already well-known to serious birders, this park clearly reflects a lot of attention paid to satisfying nature lovers. The explanatory signs are composed with a high degree of literacy and attention to scientific accuracy. Paths are well laid out and appropriate warning given of the water that swamps them in wet seasons. We brought our rubber boots but some of the main paths were submerged too deep for us to ford. One sign warned that full waders might be necessary, as water over the paths sometimes reaches waist depth. But the views were worthwhile, even in a March rainstorm. Because we arrived early in the morning we saw numerous birds, all common to the area, and a small herd of elk across a meadow. On the path lay fecal evidence of bears and possibly other carnivores. There were no other people at that time, but I'm sure there will be many more during spring, summer and fall.
Address
3888 State Route 101, Ilwaco, WA 98624-9041
Mobile
Website
http://www.fws.gov/refuges/profiles/recEdMore.cfm?ID=13552
Working hours
Monday : 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday : 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday : 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday : 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday : 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday :
Sunday :
Current local date and time now
Friday, May 10, 2024, 2:39
User Ratings
4.5 based on (38 reviews)
Reviews
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5Erin B 5:00 PM May 28, 2014
Gorgeous Trail with Amazing sculptural art
There isn't much to dislike about this place unless you are stopping for the bathrooms. They are basically outhouses. There is beautiful, nature based art throughout the entry to the trail and there are informational placards about animal life on the trail itself. I would say it's on the lower end of moderately difficult. I'm not in the best of shape and it wasn't too hard for me but there are some ups and downs. The nature reserve is simply gorgeous and well worth a stop. We hiked in light rain and it was still great. Dress for hiking with covered legs and tucked in shirt. I think I got chigger bites but it may have been from somewhere else.
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4Al F 5:00 PM Apr 13, 2021
Several different sites scattered along the coast of Willapa Bay.
There are actually several different sites that together comprise the refuge. Some very pleasant short walking trails lead to the bay and ocean coastlines, passing through wetlands and dunes along the way. Check ahead of time that the trail you are choosing is passable. In the Winter and Spring, some trails have water-covered sections.
