Wetland Walks: A Guide to Washington’s Public Access Wetlands
Fort Canby State Park
2 miles southwest of Ilwaco
Contact: Washington State Parks, Region 1, (360) 753-7143
Fort Canby is a 1,700 acre park where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean. It offers four trails which wind through the forests and headlands. Marsh, swamp, saltflat, and tidal creek areas can be found here. Migratory birds are often seen on the beaches.
Leadbetter Point State Park
Stackpole Road, 3 miles north of Oysterville
Contact: Park Manager, (360) 642-3078
Located at the northern tip of the Long Beach Peninsula, this state park offers a unique blend of natural areas, including dunes, ponds, and marshes. It is best to call ahead for information. No fees for day-use.
Palix River Access Area
1/2 mile south of Palix River Bridge off Highway 101
Contact: Department of Fish and Wildlife, Region 6, (360) 533-9335
An interpretive sign is in a pullout off the east side of the highway, from which the saltflats at the mouth of the Palix River can be viewed. Travel west on the nearby Bay Center Dike loop road to view a variety of other wetland types. No trails or restrooms.
Willapa National Wildlife Refuge, Lewis Unit
4 miles east of Long Beach on Jeldness Road
Contact: Refuge Manager, (360) 484-3482
This refuge unit has freshwater marshes at the south end of the bay which provide habitat for numerous waterfowl.
Willapa National Wildlife Refuge, Reikkola Unit
2 miles east of Long Beach on Yeaton Road
Contact: Refuge Manager, (360) 484-3482
The gravel road ends at a field where you can walk to wetlands. A good example of a diked tideland, this area provides feeding areas for shorebirds and waterfowl. Call ahead to check for seasonal closure.
Willapa National Wildlife Refuge, Leadbetter Point Unit
End of Stackpole Road, Oysterville
Contact: Refuge Manager, (360) 484-3482
This site offers a look at a variety of wetland types: marshes, swamps, saltflats and tidal creeks.
Life in Bay Center on Willapa Bay 