Hike at Woodard Bay Conservation Area

WNPS South Sound Chapter - Native Plant Hikes
Date: Sunday, December 8, 2024
Title/Location: Woodard Bay Natural Resources Conservation Area, Olympia
Hike Leaders: Cyndy Dillon Contact Information: [email protected] 253 225-9284 (text or call)
Departure Time: 10am Estimated Return time: 12pm
Departure location: parking lot Number of people: 12
Hike Description: Woodard Bay Natural Resources Conservation Area was one of the first in Washington state, designated in 1987. This wildlife sanctuary is just minutes from downtown Olympia, featuring an 800 acre site that protects habitat for marine shoreline animals along five miles of shoreline in South Puget Sound. In addition, it is home to a maturing second growth forest, protected from logging activities. After parking by a seasonal boat-launch, we will walk down the old road to this habitat-protected area, turning left about 100 feet from the beginning of the road to take a winding, forested 1.5 mile loop trail which rejoins the road just a little farther down. We will avoid the Overlook Trail due to nesting birds.
Any special requirements: Hikers must pre-register with Cyndy ([email protected]), who will send a link to a mandatory liability waiver when you provide your email address. For the hike you will need to email the liability waiver to Cyndy or bring it to the hike. Bring water if you need it, dress for the weather and wear good hiking shoes. Discover Pass required.
Directions:
From Olympia: Travel north on East Bay Drive, which becomes Boston Harbor Road. Turn right onto Woodard Bay Road. Travel about ~ 1.5 miles and the road jogs to the left then picks up again to the right. Follow Woodard Bay Rd to the bottom of the hill. The parking area is on your left, just before the bridge.
From I-5 Southbound: Follow I-5 towards Olympia. Take Exit 109 (Martin Way Exit) towards Sleater-Kinney Road. Turn right onto Sleater-Kinney Rd NE. Travel approximately 4.5 miles then continue straight onto 56th Ave NE for 0.4 miles. At "T" turn right onto Shincke Rd NE going 0.5 mi. The road curves to the left and becomes Woodard Bay Rd NE then it curves to the right. Cross the bridge over Woodard Bay and the parking lot is on your right.
From I-5 Northbound: Take I-5 north to the Port of Olympia exit. Travel north on Plum St., which becomes East Bay Dr and then Boston Harbor Rd. Turn right onto Woodard Bay Road. Travel about ~ 1.5 miles and the road jogs to the left then picks up again to the right. Follow Woodard Bay Rd to the bottom of the hill. The parking area is on your left, just before the bridge.