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Hiking trails & Routes

United States

Washington

Thurston County

Woodard Bay Overlook Trail

Routes

Hiking trails & Routes

United States

Washington

Thurston County

Woodard Bay Overlook Trail

Easy

2.8

(18)

hikers

Woodard Bay Overlook Trail

Q: What is the best time of year to hike the Woodard Bay Overlook Trail?

The trail is best enjoyed from late August through early March. Please note that the Woodard Bay Overlook Trail is **closed annually from mid-March to mid-August** to protect nesting birds, particularly the significant heron and cormorant rookeries.

Q: Is a permit or entrance fee required to access the trail?

Yes, a Discover Pass is required for parking at the Woodard Bay trailhead . You can find more information about the Discover Pass on the official wa.gov website .

Q: Are dogs allowed on the Woodard Bay Overlook Trail?

No, dogs are generally not permitted on this trail or within the Woodard Bay Natural Resources Conservation Area due to its designation as a wildlife sanctuary. This helps protect the sensitive habitats and numerous species, including nesting birds and seals.

Q: What is the terrain like on the trail?

The trail is generally easy, level, and about 3-4 feet wide. It consists of dirt or crushed rock, following an old roadbed in some sections. While well-maintained, some associated loop trails in the conservation area can be muddy, and you might encounter fallen trees.

Q: What kind of wildlife can I expect to see?

This area is a wildlife sanctuary, so you can expect abundant sightings! Look for Great Blue Herons and Double-Crested Cormorants in their rookeries, various seabirds, and bald eagles. You might also spot Pacific Harbor Seals resting on log booms in Woodard Bay , and river otters. An old railroad trestle is home to a large bat colony, visible at dusk in spring and summer.

Q: Is the trail suitable for families or beginners?

Absolutely! The trail is considered easy with very little elevation gain, making it accessible for a wide range of hikers, including families and beginners. Its short length and well-maintained surface are ideal for a leisurely stroll.

Q: What can I see along the route?

The trail offers picturesque views of Chapman Bay, including a 270-degree vista at certain points. You'll walk through mature second-growth forests and pass by observation points for heron and cormorant rookeries. Keep an eye out for harbor seals on log booms and the historic railroad trestle that houses a bat colony near Henderson Inlet and Bat Nursery .

Q: Does the trail intersect other well-known paths?

Yes, the route covers sections of the Loop Trail, which makes up about 75% of this komoot tour.

Q: Where does the trail start and where can I park?

The trail starts at the Woodard Bay trailhead within the Woodard Bay Natural Resources Conservation Area . Parking is available at the trailhead, but remember that a Discover Pass is required.

Q: How long does it typically take to complete the hike?

This easy hike is approximately 1.5 kilometers long and typically takes around 25 minutes to complete at a leisurely pace, allowing time to enjoy the views and wildlife.

00:24

1.51km

20m

Hiking

Embark on the Woodard Bay Overlook Trail, an easy hike that guides you through mature second-growth forests of Douglas firs, maples, and cedars. You will find an understory rich with sword ferns and salal as you make your way along the path. This route covers 0.9 miles (1.5 km) with a gentle elevation gain of 58 feet (18 metres), taking about 24 minutes to complete, offering a quick and rewarding outdoor experience.

Before you visit, be aware that the trail has an annual closure from mid-March to mid-August to protect nesting birds, so plan your trip accordingly. A Discover Pass is necessary for parking at the trailhead. This ensures you can access the area without any issues and enjoy your time on the trail.

The Woodard Bay Overlook Trail culminates in picturesque views of Chapman Bay, including a 270-degree vista at the Henderson Inlet and Bat Nursery viewpoint. Keep an eye out for abundant wildlife; the area is home to one of Washington State's largest heron rookeries, cormorants, and harbor seals often resting on log booms. It is a unique wildlife sanctuary worth exploring.

Last updated: April 23, 2026

Tips

Temporary access restrictions

Includes segments with temporary access restrictions. Check ahead to confirm restricted segments are open to the public.

After 85 m for 1.42 km

Waypoints

Woodard Bay

Highlight • River

Woodard Bay is a beautiful and peaceful waterway popular with kayakers. As you ride by, you'll likely see blue herons, cormorants, and, if you're lucky, you may even spot a bald eagle.

Tip by

130 m

Woodard Bay trailhead

Highlight • Trail

Embark on a 1.5-mile forested loop trail within a protected habitat area. Park near the small bridge and follow the old road for about 100 feet (ca. 30 m). Turn left onto the winding trail, which will eventually rejoin the road further down. A Washington State Discover Pass is required for parking.

Tip by

713 m

Woodard Bay Natural Resources Conservation Area

Highlight • Natural Monument

Woodard Bay Conservation Area spans 870 acres and protects and provides habitat for harbor seals, bald eagles, a large colony of bats, and one of the largest heron nesting areas in the state. There are forested hiking trails and a paved road that serves as a trail, although some close seasonally to protect nesting herons and eagles. It is a wonderful place to connect with nature as you explore this beautiful area. Dogs are not allowed in the preserve, even on a leash, so you'll need to leave your pup at home.

Tip by

1.27 km

Henderson Inlet and Bat Nursery

Highlight • Viewpoint

This viewpoint offers a fantastic view of Henderson Inlet. Here, you can view an old abandoned pier, home to hundreds of little brown and Yuma myotis bats, one of the most significant points of interest in the preserve. If you visit in the evening or early morning, you'll likely see the bats going out to hunt or returning from a night of feeding.

Tip by

1.35 km

Woodard Bay Natural Resources Conservation Area

Highlight • Natural

Wander through Woodard Bay, a wildlife oasis just steps from Olympia. Observe harbor seals lounging on the shoreline while majestic eagles glide through the sky. Seal moms can be very shy, please respect their space.

Tip by

1.51 km

End point

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

1.17 km

255 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

1.19 km

292 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Weather

Tuesday 19 May

16°C

9°C

42 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 13.0 km/h

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This route was planned by komoot.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to hike the Woodard Bay Overlook Trail?

The trail is best enjoyed from late August through early March. Please note that the Woodard Bay Overlook Trail is **closed annually from mid-March to mid-August** to protect nesting birds, particularly the significant heron and cormorant rookeries.

Is a permit or entrance fee required to access the trail?

Yes, a Discover Pass is required for parking at the Woodard Bay trailhead. You can find more information about the Discover Pass on the official wa.gov website.

Are dogs allowed on the Woodard Bay Overlook Trail?

No, dogs are generally not permitted on this trail or within the Woodard Bay Natural Resources Conservation Area due to its designation as a wildlife sanctuary. This helps protect the sensitive habitats and numerous species, including nesting birds and seals.

What is the terrain like on the trail?

The trail is generally easy, level, and about 3-4 feet wide. It consists of dirt or crushed rock, following an old roadbed in some sections. While well-maintained, some associated loop trails in the conservation area can be muddy, and you might encounter fallen trees.

What kind of wildlife can I expect to see?

This area is a wildlife sanctuary, so you can expect abundant sightings! Look for Great Blue Herons and Double-Crested Cormorants in their rookeries, various seabirds, and bald eagles. You might also spot Pacific Harbor Seals resting on log booms in Woodard Bay, and river otters. An old railroad trestle is home to a large bat colony, visible at dusk in spring and summer.

Is the trail suitable for families or beginners?

Absolutely! The trail is considered easy with very little elevation gain, making it accessible for a wide range of hikers, including families and beginners. Its short length and well-maintained surface are ideal for a leisurely stroll.

What can I see along the route?

The trail offers picturesque views of Chapman Bay, including a 270-degree vista at certain points. You'll walk through mature second-growth forests and pass by observation points for heron and cormorant rookeries. Keep an eye out for harbor seals on log booms and the historic railroad trestle that houses a bat colony near Henderson Inlet and Bat Nursery.

Does the trail intersect other well-known paths?

Yes, the route covers sections of the Loop Trail, which makes up about 75% of this komoot tour.

Where does the trail start and where can I park?

The trail starts at the Woodard Bay trailhead within the Woodard Bay Natural Resources Conservation Area. Parking is available at the trailhead, but remember that a Discover Pass is required.

How long does it typically take to complete the hike?

This easy hike is approximately 1.5 kilometers long and typically takes around 25 minutes to complete at a leisurely pace, allowing time to enjoy the views and wildlife.

Is the Woodard Bay Overlook Trail an out-and-back or a loop?

The Woodard Bay Overlook Trail itself is primarily an out-and-back path leading to a lookout point. However, it is part of a larger network within the Woodard Bay Natural Resources Conservation Area that includes associated loop trails.