Willapa National Wildlife Refuge - Leadbetter Point — Monday, May. 5, 2025

Two friends enjoyed a beautiful hike on a  sunny Monday in May. After reading the warnings of submerged trails, we brought our Crocs and rolled up our pants on the Weather beach trail and waded thru mid-calf to knee deep in cold tannin-dark water for maybe a mile -- in and out of water. The trail really needs boardwalks as you hiking through extensive wetlands ( my hiking buddy thought the mosquitos were bad. I didn't) but it made for an adventure and a fabulously people-free beach. Bring poles for easier walking through the water. The beach was super windy. Sad to see the remains of a dead Grey Whale. Happy to see so many eagles and flock upon flock of snowy plovers. Hiked to the point and back, marveling that we could see Mt Rainier. Hiked back on the much drier BearBear trail ( but still needed our Crocs). The trail leads to a beautiful stretch of beach on the vast beauty of Willapa Bay. Loved our beach hike. Saw only two other people at the north end who appeared to be digging shellfish but we didn't recognize their tools. They had a rolling carrier and must have come by boat  from around the point. Extra tip: reserve a sauna cold plunge and soak at Snow Peak to end your day in style. Highly recommend the entire exploration of the north end of the Long Beach Peninsula