A section was opened up in the back where they've been clearing out some of the trees. Rather muddy in places, but it will look good in a few months.

My day to day work keeps my inside so I find a welcome respite to the outdoors by walking the short two mile Oaks to Wetlands trail or part of the Carty Lake Trail on my lunch break whenever I can.

During this time of year, the Carty Lake Trail is closed but that’s ok with me because it gives dozens of tundra swans a peaceful place to gather for the winter. I have fallen in love with the unbroken calls of these birds! Their bellows can be heard even before you cross the bridge from the parking lot. 

Last week, a bald eagle gifted me the opportunity to hear it’s screech in the wild.

First time to come and my timing was not the best.  To start the southern entrance for the drive in and access to those trails in closed due to bridge and road work.  So call ahead or check web for details.  

The northern access near Carty Lake is open but most of the trails are closed until next spring.  Signs and gates close off the Kiwi and Carty trails.  The plankhouse and oak trails are currently open.  Be aware there is a detour around road closures to get to this point too.  

All in all you may want to put this one off until next spring when access is a bit better.  Oh and there is a day use fee for the Wildlife Refuge.  $3 per car/family or your America the Beautiful pass will work.  Just fill out the parking permit and put it on your car dash.

Since I suffered through all the road stuff I decided to do the 1 to 1.5 mile loop through the oaks.  The trail starts by taking you over a very nice pedestrian bridge so no one has to walk over the railroad tracks.  Just on the other side the Large Cedar Plank House is there to greet you.  I spent some time reading the informational sign and walked around it.  Only open weekends through October so I settled for the outside.

Continued on towards the oaks.  This portion is only recently re-opened.  A rehabilitation project to revive the native white oak trees required logging out the large douglas fir trees that were taking over the forest.  So for the next few years parts of this loop will have the feeling of a clear cut.

There is a 400+ year old oak tree along the route with massive branches that was a highlight.  Lots of birds fluttering around and singing.  A number of benches and small turnouts to look over parts of the refuge.  Trail was very easy to navigate.  Minor ups and down but relatively flat.  The far north portion has some poison oak just off the trail so just be aware.

I will be back in the future to see the other trails that were closed for the season and construction.  Plus close to downtown Ridgefield to enjoy when you are done.

Hike was easy, but a disappointment. Basically just a flat trail with lots of grass. Didn't see any animals accept a frog.

Decided to meet my daughter for lunch (in Portland) which meant I had time for 2 wildlife areas in one day. 

I stopped at Nisqually on my way down. It was beautiful and sunny in the morning.  Not too many birds. Could have been the wind. Watch your step on the boardwalks. They’re a little slippery. 

On my way home I stopped at Ridgefield Wildlife Refuge.  Compared to the overflowing parking lot at Nisqually, I was happy to see 2 cars at Ridgefield. Immediately I heard what sounded like a big goose party. I wasn’t able to get close enough to the water to get a good look but I was able to zoom in and see that it was actually a Swan party. They honked the whole time I was there. 

If you’re a tree lover, you should make your way here. The Oak trees are incredible. Also spotted here- birds, mushrooms, frogs.