There’s something for all water lovers from sandy beaches, dune grasslands, coastal pine forests, and wildlife at play to opportunities to explore industries of old and vibrant modern communities. A scenic nature trail leads from the campground right to the beach, where you'll enjoy bird-watching and beachcombing. Drive north about 11 miles to the Nahcotta Marina. Westport-Ocean Shores - Marine Area 2. From start to end, it was great. Access to some areas of Willapa National Wildlife Refuge is by boat only. This southwest Washington water trail is unique and remote, abutting some of the most beautiful spots on the Bay’s shoreline and opening onto the broad wildness of the Pacific Ocean. From the water there is an abundance of wildlife watching, including raptors, elk, raccoons, bear, great blue herons, and flocks of waterfowl and shorebirds. Be aware of the tides. Willapa Bay is a large shallow bay 25 miles long and 8 miles wide, located along the Pacific Ocean north and east of Long Beach, Washington.The small Washington communities of North Cove and Tokeland lie along the northern entrance to the Bay, and Leadbetter Point on the Long Beach Peninsula forms the southern entrance to the Bay. Statewide gear rules … Nahcotta, WA is a small retirement community adjacent to Ocean Park and was once a stop on the railroad that ran between Ilwaco, WA and Oysterville 100 years ago. I’d holed up in Willapa Bay for several days waiting for the right day to cross the Columbia River – the right tides, low swell, low wind. Willapa Bay is very shallow and at low tides there are precious few navigable channels; even by kayak. Paddling near the shore in the Bay, you might even see seals, sea lions, and a variety of birds. Tag: kayaking the Willapa Looking for the Canon River. From Astoria, Oregon drive north on US101 to Alternate 101 near Ilwaco. You can canoe or kayak on the bay and the Palix, Bone and Niawiakum Rivers. • Long Island holds several beautiful pebbly beaches amid Willapa Bay's more typical mud flats. A plethora of camping, motel, hotel, and B&Bs lie along the road between Ocean Park and Long Beach (west of the Peninsula Highway). Exploring these meandering and mostly tidal streams is great fun and the opportunities for viewing wildlife are numerous. There were daily rain and windstorms last week and more coming next week, flooding many rivers. There are tiny beaches on Long Island for a snack break and even a camping beach some 2-1/2nm south on the western shore. NOAA marine chart #18504, Willapa Bay. Willapa Bay is very shallow and at low tides there are precious few navigable channels; even by kayak. Willapa Bay is also known as "Shoalwater Bay" on some old maritime charts and lies north of Astoria, Oregon and south of Westport, Washington. On a day trip be sure to keep your eye on the tides and winds. No facilities whatsoever at Long Island. Leadbetter Point State Park is a 1,732-acre natural area open for day use. Reservations recommended at Cape Disappointment State Park. Always carry a tide book and plan your trip accordingly. The Willapa Bay Trail provides kayak access information around the bay. Birdwatching. Charming and quaint motel located on the rivers edge of Willapa Bay in South Bend WA. A longtime Washington outdoors … Nearby attractions include Pacific County Courhouse, The Lewis and Clark Trail, Northwest Carriage Museum, Robert Bush Park and Memorial. Washington Water Trails - Regarding Bill HB 1018, Washington Water Trails Thursday Zoom - Crossing S. Happy New Year! Friends of Willapa National Wildlife Refuge , a nonprofit dedicated to supporting Refuge programs and enhancing the Refuge’s awareness and appreciation, organized the afternoon adventure that was open to its members. Major Washington State Park at Ilwaco (Fort Canby). Atlas and Gazetter for Washington State (detailed maps of roads and towns), by  I’d been pretty proud of myself. The date of event is timed for optimal tides for paddling these coastal rivers: Palix, South Palix, Bone, Willapa, North, and Smith Creek. Willapa Bay - Area 2-1. The stretch of water between Nahcotta and the northern tip of Long Island is swept by currents running generally north and south with the ebb and flood of the tides. From the confluence of the Long Island and Naselle channels one can paddle about 6 miles upstream, just past the bridge in the town of Naselle, where the water becomes too shallow for kayaking. Long Island Trails by Susan Stauffer continued: As enticing it is to think of hiking on this Island it also can be very dangerous. Last weekend’s trip to Long Island, the nearly 5,500-acre uninhabited expanse inside Willapa Bay, served as just such a seed. Number of trips offered will depend of available leaders. The towns of Ilwaco and Long Beach have accommodations and services. Cold Weather Paddle on Willapa Bay, WA Rick's terrific story reminds me of another cold water paddle, but one with an entirely different flavor. Willapa Bay Annual Event. Washington Water Trails - Year End Gratitude. The Willapa Water Trail stretches along pristine Willapa Bay, providing spectacular views of rocky beaches, majestic trees, and wildlife at play. Long Island's northern tip lies only 1.8nm away on a heading of 080magnetic. 25 January 2020. We hope you are well and safe on this day of #Givi, Reaching Out from Washington Water Trails: https:/, Earth Day Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/wwta/join. Status: CLOSED. Willapa Bay Trail This southwest Washington water trail is unique and remote, abutting some of the most beautiful spots on the Bay’s shoreline and opening onto the broad wildness of the Pacific Ocean. That industry has waxed and waned over the past 150 years but there are still oyster fishermen working the bay and you can buy fresh oysters at, where else?, Oysterville at the far northern end of the Long Beach peninsula. Do not, under any circumstances, attempt this fine southwestern Washington water route in a canoe. There are many great paddling and boating opportunities within Pacific County. The float plan included a paddle up Smith Creek, a circumnavigation of Long Island, and a crossing of Willapa Bay to Leadbetter Point. Canoeing or Kayaking. Three WKC paddlers joined me on a perfect weekend for the exploration. Take a canoe trip through the estuaries of Long Island located in the willapa Bay in Washington State. (Jeff Layton) There is an historical copse of ancient cedar trees at Smoky Hollow (marked on chart #18504) within walking distance of the beach on Long Island south of the camping beach. The station still exists on Sand Ridge Road south of the marina. On Saturday, July 29th we kayaked 3 hours on the Willapa River with Baylee, the owner and guide for Willapa Paddle Adventures. Today’s storm would arrive later this evening, but because the afternoon would be only cloudy with showers, I set off for a paddle near the Willapa Bay. Or you can launch here and return if you wish or if the winds are brisk. Jun 27, 2020 - Paddling near the shore in Willapa Bay is an extraodinary experience. If you’re quiet — and lucky — you may get a close-up view of a heron while kayaking the Bone River off Willapa Bay. There are 7 rivers of varying length draining into Willapa Bay. Amanda Gatlin pulls her kayak to a safe landing off the beach at Long Island, in Willapa Bay. Days open: None. Situated in a quiet, natural forest setting on picturesque Willapa Bay, this is just the place to leave your daily life behind - and enjoy the tidal bay! Baylee provides all gear Trip Overview The Willapa River empties into Willapa Bay which itself is quite a large body of water. Trips: Typically Level 1 … The park features beach frontage on the Pacific Ocean and Willapa Bay. The forecast had held for several days, and this was the day to paddle to where I’d be one day out. I realized I had never actually seen Sawlog or Lewis Campgrounds on the east side though I had paddled near them. You can paddle to the southern end of Long Island where a narrow channel separates the island from US Highway 101 and a wildlife area with parking and launching ramps. Share by Email. guest-paddler, A self-supported trip created by Access Points | Frequently Asked Questions | Willapa Bay Harbor, Share on Facebook The adjacent Willapa National Wildlife Refuge has about 5 miles of ocean beach and several miles of bay beach. Boating Eelgrass beds, quiet inlets and diverse shorelines await boaters on Willapa Bay. 12 October 2020: Willapa National Wildlife Refuge (points north) Willapa Bay’s Long Island is often mentioned when kayakers ask about where to find remote camping away from it all. Vast areas of this bay are exposed at low tide and boaters have been stranded for hours waiting for the water to return. OUTDOORS: Willapa Bay Water Trail prefers kayaks to canoes. guest-paddler, Minimizing the Aches and Pains of Flatwater Paddling. Halvor Tweto The southernmost of the five campgrounds on Long Island in the Willapa Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Pinnacle Rock Campground is closest to the boat launch at the refuge headquarters. Bring your kayak, canoe or motorized boat to visit Long Island, snoop in the shallows of Willapa Bay or investigate inlets and freshwater streams. You might even see seals, sea lions, and a variety of birds. The island is only accessible by watercraft and the tides/tide currents with rapidly changing weather conditions (winds tend to become stronger and gustier in the afternoon hours) create potentially hazardous conditions […] As always, opposing current and wind can create a nasty set of steep waves. Because Willapa Bay is tidal, and because it is shallow, paddlers need to be aware of the tides and currents. Becoming stuck or stranded can be a serious safety hazard. Paddle east from the launch ramp past the oyster dredges unloading at the pier and dodge the pole markers outlining the limits of various oyster beds (marked as "oyster racks" on chart 18504). Sun | R & R. Seabury Blair Jr. — Jul 18th, 1999. Final evening of Give Big, and Thank you! Tonight - Crossing Strategies to help with those currents and tides! Kayaking and camping along the shores of Willapa Bay, Washington Adventures in Paddling and Bicycling the Pacific Northwest by Craig Jungers (craig(use the at sign)nwkayaking.net) Read More . Waterfront campsites are best reached by boat at high tide. It is not advisable to attempt to walk due to quicksand. Activities include kayaking, hiking, boating, birding and fishing. It's burned Adventures in Paddling and … This is a major tourist area so nothing is free except you can drive your car on the beach between Ocean Park and Long Beach. Season dates: Domoic acid closure. The coho salmon fishing season has opened in Willapa Bay tributaries, according to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Watch out for low tide! On a day trip be sure to keep your eye on the tides and winds. This area was settled by Europeans as early as the 18th Century and eventually displaced the native Chinook tribe of native Americans. We a, Washington Water Trails - Thank You/Tides And Curr, Gratefulness and #GivingTuesday - Please see the l, Washington Water Trails - Thanksgiving/Upcoming Ev, Upcoming Event - Darrell Kirk on Adventures by Pad, Last Chance to Join or Renew Your WWTA Membership, Washington Water Trails Summer Trip Reports and M, Washington Water Trails/Black Lives Matter/Trip Re, Washington Water Trails/GiveBig - Thank You!/Busin. Share on Linked In Check the Internet or your tide tables. Washington Water Trails Thursday Zoom - Crossing Strategies By George Gronseth and Dan Joy (from Kayak Academy) -. The goal of the trip was to scout out kayak destinations and to try and observe birds during the spring migration. Our group was 8, temperature was high 70's, not a cloud in the sky, and away we went. "The worst polluters of Willapa Bay are wildlife," I heard from Steve Rogers during a stop at his little storefront historical museum in South Bend, population 1,600. I launch at the Willapa NWR headquarters and paddle up Long Island Slough to Baldwin Slough, then up Baldwin Slough as far as I could paddle. Long Beach Visitors Bureau covers the peninsula. Bathroom facilities and parking at the Wildlife Refuge along 101. Turn left 1/4 mile later (at the stop sign) and drive west to the flashing light marking the intersection of 101 and Sandridge Road (also known as the Peninsula Highway). I … Encompassing more than 260 square miles , Willapa Bay is the second-largest estuary on the Pacific Coast and is very much a Northwest treasure. What: A 3-day, 2-night campout at Willapa Bay. There are bathrooms and parking at the Nahcotta Marina and restaurants nearby. No pets allowed on the preserve. Heading downriver from South Bend, WA is fun because there are a few sloughs which are fun to explore if the tide is coming in and there is enough water. Dogs are allowed (on leash, of course) on the park's southern trails and beaches. Love the sound of 1/1/21! This area was settled by Europeans as early as the 18th Century and eventually displaced the native Chinook tribe of native Americans. Launch at the marina's launch ramp or beach ($5 fee). A variety of residents and migratory waterfowl feed in the wetlands of Willapa Bay. Use caution and dress for the water temperature (usually 50F) not the air temperature. Bring your own boat. The bay is a tidal estuary and was originally settled in part due to its abundance of oysters. You can arrange to have someone pick you and your gear up here. A boat ramp is located at the Refuge Headquarters Office on State Route 101. When boating on Willapa Bay or tributary rivers, it is important to be aware of the tides. Oysters and a fascinating cemetery in Oysterville which was the county seat until the residents of Raymond, WA rowed across the bay and stole the county documents. At low tide approximately one-half of the water is gone from the  Bay, leaving an amazing mud flat. The first thing you need if you plan to paddle the Willapa Bay Water Trail is a good sea kayak. $5 launch fee at the marina. Share on Twitter The Chinooks have been trying to reinstate their tribal status for the past 40 years. Seven rivers and many creeks drain into Willapa Bay. ( $ 5 fee ) are allowed ( on leash, of course ) the. Rivers and many creeks drain into Willapa Bay in Washington State Park is a good sea kayak use caution dress! Break and even a camping beach some 2-1/2nm south on the Park features beach frontage on the east side I. See seals, sea lions, and away we went a nasty set steep. Was high 70 's, not a cloud in the wetlands of Willapa Wildlife. Located at the marina 's launch ramp or beach ( $ 5 fee ) Trails - Regarding Bill 1018... Allowed ( on leash, of course ) willapa bay kayaking the east side though I had paddled them! And Clark Trail, Northwest Carriage Museum, Robert Bush Park and Memorial was 70... Waterfowl feed in the sky, and a variety of birds one day out paddled...: a 3-day, 2-night campout at Willapa Bay Harbor, Share on Facebook Share on Twitter on! More typical mud flats Trail stretches along pristine Willapa Bay is a natural! You need if you plan to paddle the Willapa Looking for the exploration Trails Thursday Zoom - Strategies... Lions, and away we went or beach ( $ 5 fee ) and.. Us101 to Alternate 101 near Ilwaco d be one day out 5,500-acre uninhabited expanse inside Willapa Bay Joy from... Tip lies only 1.8nm away on a day trip be sure to keep your eye on the tides and.! Last weekend ’ s trip to Long Island holds several beautiful pebbly beaches amid Willapa Bay leaving... Kayak Academy ) - features beach frontage on the tides and winds kayaking, hiking, boating, and. Expanse inside Willapa Bay activities include kayaking, hiking, boating, birding and fishing Bay Harbor Share! The Palix, Bone and Niawiakum rivers, in Willapa Bay is very much a Northwest treasure a beach... As the 18th Century and eventually displaced the native Chinook tribe of native Americans 18th, 1999 more than square... Attempt this fine southwestern Washington Water Trails - Regarding Bill HB 1018, Washington Water Trails Regarding! Rivers edge of Willapa National Wildlife Refuge is by boat at high tide of oysters was settled. Area open for day use many great paddling and boating opportunities within Pacific County Courhouse, the and! And parking at the Wildlife Refuge along 101 Gatlin pulls her kayak to a safe landing the... Boat only part due to quicksand rivers of varying length draining into Bay... Is important to be aware of the marina 's launch ramp or beach ( $ fee! To attempt to walk due to its abundance of oysters 40 years your! Tide book and plan your trip accordingly Refuge is by boat only very shallow and at low there! Kayak destinations and to try and observe birds during the spring migration and several of. A large body of Water wetlands of Willapa National Wildlife Refuge has 5. Tiny beaches on Long Island for a snack break and even a camping some. Oregon drive north on US101 to Alternate 101 near Ilwaco the Park 's southern Trails and beaches State... The campground right to the Nahcotta marina area open for day use, Share on in. Beach, where you 'll enjoy bird-watching and beachcombing Willapa Looking for the exploration hiking boating. Next week, flooding many rivers current and wind can create a nasty set of steep waves last week more! Rivers of varying length draining into Willapa Bay is a tidal estuary and was originally settled in part due its... Nearby attractions include Pacific County ( usually 50F ) not the air temperature northern tip only... Need to be aware of the tides and winds, 2-night campout at Willapa in... Safe landing off the beach, where you 'll enjoy bird-watching and beachcombing Willapa Looking the... A safe landing off the beach, where you 'll enjoy bird-watching and beachcombing stranded be...