Sandpiper Trail - Hoquium
This trail is really cool and unique, and it is just minutes from where thousands pass every weekend on the way to the beach. This is the Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge, at the west edge of Hoquium. This easy boardwalk provides several viewpoints of the estuary and is a great option for observing shorebirds that are drawn to the area's open mudflats. Many of the species are best viewed within two hours of high tide. Thousands of shorebirds migrating between Mexico and the Arctic appear at the Grays Harbor NWR in late April and early May. The trail starts by walking by aircraft hangers which the kids will enjoy. Next is the official start of the trail and a nice forest walk until reaching the open area of the harbor.
Olympic Mountains Hikes
Directions:
At the west end of Hoquium on Highway 109 is Poulson Road. Follow it to the airport (see map below). Park near the cafe at the airport. Walk behind the gate and follow paved road to the trailhead past the aircraft hangers.
Distance: 1.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 0 feet
Access: Paved road
Sign on Highway 109
Trailhead at the cafe
Old hangers an an old airplane
Walking the pavement from the cafe to the official trailhead
The official start of the Sandpiper Trail
View of the landing strip
Boardwalk trail
Boardwalk trail
Mudflats
Interpretive signs