01. MARY E. THELER WETLANDS NATURE PRESERVE
Explore Theler Wetlands at Hood Canal's edge where the Union River meets the fjord, providing a diverse wildlife habitat. The preserve, alongside a nearby Washington DFW area, safeguards hundreds of acres supporting various animals. Walk on bridges and boardwalks to see many birds and mammals such as eagles, ospreys, herons, swallows, deer, coyotes, and otters along the three-mile trail.
Start your walk on the Rock Wall Trail to the Wetlands Project Center, just a quarter mile away. Visit the garden with native plants and a replica of a gray whale skeleton. Check out the outdoor art too.
From the middle, many paths go out in different directions in the wetlands for loop or point-to-point walks. The 0.1-mile Sweetwater Creek Trail has signs to explain things. The 0.25-mile South Tidal Marsh Trail has a wooden walkway to a viewing point at Hood Canal's edge, where you can see the southern Olympic Mountain peaks well.
The short Alder Creek Swamp Trail is a loop near the nature center that goes through wetlands on a boardwalk. It connects to the River Estuary Trail, which crosses open wetlands on an old dike. Follow the trail through shrubs and farmland to reach the Union River. Near a sharp turn, find a junction leading back to the River Estuary Trail, completing the loop. This trail then goes to the river crossing a channel on a large bridge. It eventually follows alongside the nutrient rich Union River and comes to a small picnic area and privy. Beyond are two short spurs. The one on the left leads to a cedar grove at the river’s edge granting prime salmon spawning viewing.
Details
Highlights: Birdwatching; ADA accessible; Distance: 3 miles of trails Elevation gain: 40’; Difficulty: Easy; Permits: None Season: Year round; Notes: Open dawn to dusk, no dogs, great for kids;Trailhead Amenities: Privies, benches, boardwalks, outdoor education center; Directions: Shelton follow SR 3 for 22.5 miles to trailhead at the Mary E. Theler Community Center in Belfair; half mile north of junction with SR 106.
GPS Way Points
N47 26.286 W122 50.194