Mary E. Theler Wetlands Nature Preserve
Last modified
Jan 24, 2010 04:57 PM
Spend a couple of hours or all day exploring a wildlife-rich estuary at the farthest reaches of fjordlike Hood Canal. Let eagles, osprey, herons, otters, and deer captivate you on this hike through grassy wetlands and along the Union River.
Among the many legacies that Sam and Mary Theler left the town of Belfair was land for a Masonic Lodge, church, and school. Out of the 70 acres deeded to the North Mason School District arose the Mary E. Theler Wetlands Nature Preserve. Serving an educational role for area school children, the wetlands have also become the area's prime hiking destination. Start your visit by passing under the welcome arch and proceeding 0.25 mile to the Wetlands Project Center. If it's open, take time to visit to gain a better appreciation and understanding of the complex ecosystem you are about to explore. Children-heck, adults too-will appreciate the hands-on exhibits. Several trails radiate from the Wetlands Project Center. All are pleasurable to walk and are wheelchair-accessible. The Sweetwater Creek and Alder Creek Trails make 0.25-mile loops. The South Tidal Marsh Trail extends 0.25 mile onto a boardwalk into Hood Canal. It's ideally positioned for spotting birds among the grasses and reeds and for viewing the Olympic Mountains in the background. The Union River Estuary Trail offers the longest and best hike in the preserve. Along an old dike the trail elbows across open wetlands-tidal marsh on the left, freshwater marsh on the right. Through a tunnel of shrubs and along active farmland, the trail makes a beeline for the mouth of the Union River. In 0.5 mile you'll reach the river. The trail then turns right (northeast) to hug this nutrient-rich waterway for one more mile. Just beyond the 1-mile mark is a small picnic area and restroom. At the trail's terminus are two short spurs-the one left leads to the river's edge for prime waterfowl and salmon-spawning viewing. Return to the Theler Wetlands at different times of the year to fully appreciate the life cycles at work in this ecologically important preserve. Recent Trip Reports
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Sick of being cooped up in the house due to all the rain lately. I decided to head over the...
Sick of being cooped up in the house due to all the rain lately. I decided to head over the narrows and explore an area I hit in January Theler Wetlands and Kopachuck state park. Saw 2 eagles, 3 herons, and lots of crows and other little birdes in my trip. Nothing too exciting,it was just nice to be outside. Got a few miles in at each place and headed home.
Day hike
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Theler Wetlands & Kopachuck State Park 1-4-09
After reading about Theler wetlands on WTA website as a good lowland hike, I...
Theler Wetlands & Kopachuck State Park 1-4-09
After reading about Theler wetlands on WTA website as a good lowland hike, I decided since weather was not raining to head out to Belfair area and check it out. Since it was fairly short around 2 miles total, I figured Annie and I would hit another state park on the way home. She is only 4 weeks after surgery and I needed to take it easy on her. As soon as we drove into Belfair the fog rolled in and the views were less than desirable, but we made the best out of it. Trail was about half gravel and half wooden boardwalks. They had buckets with gravel and cans to sprinkle on board walk if you wanted.. some ice and snow in spots. There is a learning center in the middle that looked really cool for kids. We saw 3 blue heron birds, ducks, and some robins, and sparrows. Heard a few gun shots, must be a range in the area. One really loud Boom scared the hell out of me, I think I even ducked.. but besides that all good. It was really cold today in the 30’s but felt colder, we stopped for hot chocolate and then on to Kopachuck state park. We got a bit lost on the last turn to Ray Nash Road it’s not marked. But we finally found it, this is a really great little park on the sound and I believe I read it’s on the list of 13 parks to be shut down possibly due to budget cuts, what a shame. We just checked out the beach a little and made our way back over the bridge. We could see a tiny bit of the Olympic mountains, on a clear day it would have been magical. |
Driving Directions
From Bremerton head west on State Route 3 to Belfair. Proceed 1 mile beyond the junction with SR 300 to the Mary E. Theler Community Center (and sign for the nature trail), located on your right. Park at community center. The trailhead is located in the northwest corner of the parking lot. Privy available.
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