This first-in-the-nation art-inspired trail features the work of public art students from the University of Washington. Replacing traditional interpretive signs made of wood and words, the artwork provides visitors with an image that inspires reflection on the wildlife wonders in the area.
The completed portion, which is ADA accessible, is 300 feet long and all boardwalk. Fifty steel silhouettes of individual salmon are whimsically mounted in trees above the stream, reminding visitors of the close relationships between salmon habitat and healthy forests.
An additional 300 feet of difficult hiking trail is set to be added during the spring/summer of 2004, which will lead to the salmon stream. Artwork remaining to be installed includes an interpretive tide clock sculpture and an overlook designed to provide hikers with an all-encompassing view of the entire trail and bay.
Hours
Currently, the trail is open from 7:30AM to 4:30PM weekdays. When the salmon are spawning (approx Oct 15 - Nov 15), volunteers will be staffing it for extended hours.
Restoration
Culminating a five-year restoration project, the interpretative trail at Headquarters Creek yielded a record return of chum salmon in 2003. "Over 500 chum returned to spawn and begin again the cycle of renewal that characterizes healthy salmon habitat," announced Charlie Stenvall, Project Leader at Willapa. "This design project will further help protect the salmon here as well as demonstrate that small creek projects can be relatively easily restored to productive conditions for wildlife."
It is estimated that 80% of these returning fish successfully spawned, providing confidence that the stream will soon be self-sufficient to support a natural recurring run. The trail also recognizes the Centennial Year of the National Wildlife Refuge System, which celebrated 100 years of conservation achievements during 2003.
Directions
The Willapa National Wildlife Refuge office is located 13 miles north of Ilwaco on US 101.
From the South: Please see our driving maps from Portland Metro. From the Visitors Bureau, at the intersection of Highways 101 & 103 in Seaview, head out of Seaview on Highway 101 north. Ignore the large brown sign saying "Willapa National Wildlife Refuge" with an arrow pointing north up Sandridge Road as that goes to the Leadbetter Point State Park refuge. Follow US101 about ten miles (approximately mile marker 24) and the headquarters buildings appear on the right. A boat ramp on the left side of the highway is an easy visual landmark. The Salmon Trail begins right in front of the headquarters buildings.
From the North: Please see our driving maps from Seattle Metro and Centralia/Chehalis. Stop in Raymond and see the unique roadside sculptures, then continue on US 101 as it winds its way along Willapa Bay. Many of the curves are sharp and be especially watchful for deer and elk. Enjoy the many shorebirds, including Great Blue Herons. Watch mile markers as the Refuge is at approximately marker 24 and the headquarters buildings appear on the right. A boat ramp on the left side of the highway is an easy visual landmark. The Salmon Trail begins right in front of the headquarters buildings.
on the Long Beach Peninsula!
