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So I'm still going through the various trails in my local Washington State Parks, seeing how long it takes me to hike each one without getting distracting and taking pictures of things every five feet so that I can give my guided nature tour participants better estimates of how long each trail might take. I haven't managed to NOT get distracted by cool things along the way at least a few times, but I can make it more than twenty feet before I stop and look.

Yesterday I spent the afternoon on the Discovery Trail section that goes from Ilwaco to Beard's Hollow at Cape Disappointment. There are a few "make sure you stretch first" hills, but the whole trail is either paved, boardwalk, or fairly even gravel and other natural surfaces, so I was able to make good time this time around. Technically speaking the trail begins in Ilwaco proper at the docks, but I began timing myself from the trailhead up the hill where you get into the woods. And since I started at Beard's Hollow I was going backwards (sort of), though I did walk into Ilwaco and grab a snack at Old Town Trading Post (how many hikes let you visit a cute little cafe partway through?)

I'm just about done timing trails at Cape D, other than the few around the visitor center. Leadbetter's going to be a challenge because this time of year almost all the trails have a flooded section (sometimes up to four feet deep!), and then as soon as they dry out it becomes Mosquito Season. July-early October is usually the best time for Leadbetter, though I have gone as late as November in drier years. I might just have to wait to time those, but that's okay. I'm working on adding other trails to my roster.

BTW, I am officially open for guided nature tours! The WA State Parks here are just the ones that I already have permits for, especially good for folks who arrive in the Columbia-Pacific region for a weekend and want same-day (or next-day-or-two, depending on my schedule) experiences. But I am open for booking throughout the Pacific Northwest; I just need enough lead-up time to secure any necessary permits and make other preparations. More info available at https://rebeccalexa.com/guided-nature-tours/

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It's western snowy plover nesting season--and there's a lot more going on in nature, too! Join me for a guided nature hike on Sunday, July 2 at 10am at the Leadbetter Unit of Willapa National Wildlife Refuge. We'll explore trails that take us along Willapa Bay, through the forest, and over to the ocean beach, all while watching for birds and other wildlife. You'll get to learn about the unique ecosystems along the way, too. And you'll get to see where Willapa NWR staff and volunteers have been restoring crucial dune habitat for plovers and more! We will be walking approximately 2.5 miles with plenty of opportunities to stop and look at neat things along the way.

This is a special FREE event; gratuities are optional, but very much appreciated. I don't offer freebies very often, so this is a rare opportunity!

We are meeting in the parking lot at Willapa NWR - Leadbetter Unit, which is NORTH of Leadbetter State Park. Just keep going north on Stackpole Road until you can't go north any more; that's the Willapa NWR parking lot.

Please do NOT bring dogs, as they are not allowed on Willapa NWR. Do bring binoculars, water/snacks, sunscreen, bug spray, and dress for the weather. Trails are primarily sand but may be uneven at times; please wear appropriate footwear.