Tillamook Bay Wetlands Loop Hike

Overview

This coastal delta area is also known as the Wilson-Trask Wetlands or, colloquially, “Rain River.” Part of a project to convert some of the estuary habitat back to the tide-influenced delta it once was, the 377-acre parcel of former pastureland was acquired in part through funds from NOAA (the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration). The land is now managed by Tilllamook County. As with many human endeavors to alter the landscape, diking the estuary for farmland has also resulted in increased destructive flooding on settled land – hence some of the motivation to revert to a more natural state. The proposed restoration will be the biggest such project in Oregon to date. Of the five coastal rivers that empty into Tillamook Bay - the Miami, Kilchis, Wilson, Trask, and Tillamook – the last three come together at this property. You’ll walk along grassy dikes past spruce sloughs to the Wilson River Delta itself and then return along the Trask River above former pastures. Note that there is a lot of water on this trail in the wet season and the dike can be very soggy, so wear good boots and be prepared to get wet feet! You’re likely to see deer, and this is great birdwatching country, so bring binoculars (Try to find the resident barn owl). Walk past the steel gate to the left of the parking area (The road to the right leads to a private home). You’ll be following a vehicle track through alder, spruce and elderberry tidal wetlands. To the left and right, a wide slough snakes through dense vegetation. Reach an open grassy area with willow marshes – look for black phoebes here in the winter. Pass under phone lines. Soon, walk by a “land bridge” over the slough. The soggy road track veers left and then passes a spur to a point on the Wilson River. Pass through a thicket of invasive Japanese knotweed and then a grove of alders. One arm of the river snakes lazily to the right as the dike undulates a little. Enter an avenue of 100-year-old spruce trees, and get views across the Wilson River Delta to Garibaldi an

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