01. MARY E. THELER WETLANDS NATURE PRESERVE

Spend a day exploring Mary E. Theler Wetlands Nature Preserve located at the farthest reaches of Hood Canal. Here the Union River flows into the fjord creating a diverse wildlife rich estuary. The preserve along with an adjacent Washington DFW parcel protects several hundred acres of critical habitat which sustains a myriad of wildlife. Wander a network of bridges and boardwalks observing scores of bird and mammal life including, eagles ospreys, herons, swallows, deer, coyotes and otters along the three miles of trails.

Start your hike on the Rock Wall Trail which leads .25 mile to the Wetlands Project Center. Explore the native plant demonstration garden and the reconstructed gray whale skeleton. There are also outdoor art displays.

From the center several trails radiate throughout the wetlands for loop and out and back options. The 0.1 mile Sweetwater Creek Trail passes several interpretive displays. The .25 mile South Tidal Marsh Trail follows a boardwalk to the observation deck at the12 edge of Hood Canal providing excellent views of southern Olympic Mountain peaks.

The 0.3 mile Alder Creek Swamp Trail loops back to the nature center after traversing wetlands on a boardwalk. It ties into the River Estuary Trail which travels along an old dike across open wetlands. Follow it through a tunnel of shrubs and along active farmland to the mouth of the Union River. At its second sharp turn come to a junction with a trail which travels for a half mile back to the River Estuary Trail completing the loop. The River Estuary Trail continues to the river crossing a channel on a big 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.

Highlights: Exceptional birdwatching; ADA accessible Distance: 3.0 miles of trails Elevation gain: 40’ Difficulty: Easy Permits: None Season: Year round Notes: Open dawn to dusk, no dogs, great for kids Amenities: Privies, benches, boardwalks, outdoor education center

GPS waypoint: N47 26.286 W122 50.194 Contact/Map: Theler Community Center Directions: From Shelton follow SR 3 for 22.5 miles to trailhead at the Mary E. Theler Community Center in Belfair. Center is located 0.5 north of junction with SR 106.