Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge

This morning, I went to the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge and walked on various trails for 4.5 miles. Because it was foggy, I started along the Twins Barn Loop Trail going to the Riparian Forest and Nisqually River Overlooks, before taking the Estuary Boardwalk Trail out to the end and then finishing the Twinds Barn Loop back to the parking area. The pond behind the Visitor Center

Forest views in the riparian area:

Views along the Estuary Boardwalk Trail at low tide today

Lots of bald eagles out this morning, here is one in the distance

some of the shorebirds seen this morning

Agate Passage Preserve

We did the short 0.5 mile trail at Agate Passage Preserve through the woods and down to the beach and back, with about 130 ft of loss/gain.

Dock Street Road End

We drove to Dock Street Road End for a lovely view of some Olympic Peaks from Bainbridge Island looking across Manzanita Bay

zoom of the Brothers

zoom of other Olympic Peaks

Gazzam Lake Nature Preserve

We drove to the Gazzam Lake Nature Preserve, to hike some of the trails, we took the Westwood Shore Trail to the beach and back, and part way along the Main Gazzam Lake Trail for 3.2 miles and 350 ft of loss/gain.

Well maintained trails through a beautiful forest.

Views along the beach looking west

Common goldeneyes

Views of Gazzam Lake from the north side trail

From the south side trail to the lake, the view of the lake was obscured by lots of brush

some fungi we saw today

Lincoln Rock State Park and the Rocky Reach Trail

This morning we went to Lincoln Rock State Park where we walked around the park, then walked about 1.2 miles down along the Rocky Reach Trail and back through the park for a 4 mile walk. Beautiful chilly day. The Park is located just upstream from Rocky Reach Dam on the Columbia River and is named for a rock formation across the river that resembles Lincoln' profile.

zoom towards Licoln Rock from the sign

We started by going to the north end of the park, enjoying views of the Columbia River as we continued walking downstream

zoom of Lincoln Rock

Views from slightly upstream above Rocky Reach Dam

Views along the Rocky Reach Trail below Rocky Reach Dam