04. BAYSHORE PRESERVE

04. BAYSHORE PRESERVE

The Bayshore Preserve sits on a small peninsula in Oakland Bay. Once agolf course, but thanks to the Capitol Land Trust, Squaxin Island Tribe anda handful of other partners, this small peninsula on Oakland Bay has sincebeen restored to a natural state. Protecting critical wildlife habitat, thepreserve is also culturally important. The peninsula once housed a SquaxinIsland Tribe village and according to several elders and historians, one of thelargest longhouses on Puget Sound.

The old greenways have been restored to native prairie grasses and much of the old golf course’s infrastructure has been removed. And while small in area, the preserve contains a large array of ecological diversity including: a salmon-spawning creek, productive salt marshes and mud flats, old-growth firs and Garry oaks, prairie, and more than 4,000 feet of shoreline.

There are about 1.5 miles of marked well developed paths traversing the 74-acre preserve. The Main Loop Trail travels triangularly through the property for 0.8 mile. Follow it through native grasses and along colonnades of gigantic old Douglas firs and Garry (Oregon White) oaks.

Numerous spur trails deviate from the loop. The 0.2 mile Lookout Trail crosses Johns Creek on a sturdy bridge and proceeds through a forest grove to end along the creek bank. It’s an excellent trail for observing November chum runs. The .25 mile Johns Creek Trail is another fine choice for salmon watching. The Johns Creek Estuary Trail leads a short distance to extensive tidal flats at a small estuary where Johns Creek flows into Oakland Bay.

The Main Loop passes by restored salt flats. Public entry is not allowed in this sensitive wildlife area, so have binoculars in hand to scout the area for birds from the trail.

The Main Loop then passes through a row of big Douglas-fir before reaching a junction with the Shoreline Overlook Trail. Hike this path for a pleasant short loop to excellent views of the shallow waters of Oakland Bay’s northernmost reaches.

The Shoreline Overlook Trail leads to the adjacent Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Oakland Bay property. Recreational harvesters (with permits) can collect clams and oysters here. Check to make sure the beach is open before harvesting.

Highlights: Exceptional birdwatching, restored prairie habitat, salmon spawning creek and estuary Distance: 1.5 miles of trails Elevation flat Difficulty: Easy Permits: None Season: Year round Notes: Please stay on trails and respect all closed areas. Open from dawn to dusk. No removal of plants. Kid and dog Friendly: yes Amenities: Privies GPS waypoint: N47 14.939 W123 02.655 Contact/Map: Capitollandtrust.org Trailhead Directions: From Shelton, travel east on SR 3 for 3.8 miles to trailhead located on your right (directly across road from Bayshore General Store). Parking is limited. More parking is available in the adjacent Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Oakland Bay Recreational Area (Discover Pass required).