04. bayshore preserve

The Bayshore Preserve is on a small land in Oakland Bay. It used to be a golf course but has been restored to its natural state by the Capitol Land Trust, Squaxin Island Tribe, and other partners. The preserve is crucial for wildlife and has cultural significance as it used to be a Squaxin Island Tribe village with a large longhouse.

A golf course was turned into a natural area by the Capitol Land Trust, Squaxin Island Tribe, and other partners. The area is now a wildlife habitat and culturally significant. It used to be a Squaxin Island Tribe village with a large longhouse. The land now has native grasses and removed golf course structures. The preserve has a variety of ecosystems, including a salmon creek, marshes, firs, oaks, prairie, and shoreline. There are 1.5 miles of paths on the 74-acre preserve.

Main Loop Trail: 0.8 mi triangular route with native grasses and giant Douglas firs/Garry oaks. Spur trails available.

  • Lookout Trail: 0.2 mi crossing Johns Creek, good for November chum runs.

  • Johns Creek Trail: 0.25 mi, great for salmon watching.

  • Johns Creek Estuary Trail: Short path to tidal flats at estuary.

  • Shoreline Overlook Trail: Offers views of Oakland Bay, leads to WDFWs Oakland Bay property for clam/oyster collection (with permits, check beach safety).

Highlights: Great birdwatching, restored prairie, salmon creek and estuary
Distance: 1.5 miles of flat trails
Difficulty: Easy
Permits: Not required
Season: Open year-round
Notes: Stay on trails, respect closed areas, open from dawn to dusk, don't remove plants
Kid and Dog Friendly: Yes
Amenities: Restrooms
GPS Waypoint: N47 14.939 W123 02.655
Contact/Map: Capitollandtrust.org
Trailhead Directions: East on SR 3 from Shelton for 3.8 miles, trailhead on right across from Bayshore General Store. Limited parking; more at Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Oakland Bay Recreational Area (Discover Pass needed).