Category Archives: History of hikes and outings

Fall birds of Admiralty Inlet

On October 17, 2017, wenjoined the Natural History Society to discover the seabirds of Admiralty Inlet.

Preeminent bird biologist and delightful teacher Bob Boekelheide led our outing and emphasized the ecology and behavior of the local seabirds we observed.

He discussed how our location in Port Townsend relates to the birds’ annual cycles, why they’re here, what they’re doing, where they’ve come from, and where they’re going.

We surveyed the birds we found roosting at Point Hudson and swimming and feeding offshore. We then drove into Fort Worden to check for birds offshore from the Port Townsend Marine Science Center pier. We ended up at Point Wilson, also scoping offshore.

We brought binoculars and scopes, snacks and drinks, and a Discovery Pass to park in Fort Worden. Ken at JLTnatural@saveland.org was the contact for location and meeting time.

Explore the West End of Our Larry Scott Trail

On September 27, 2017, the Natural History Society walked along the far west end of the Larry Scott Trail.

We hiked along this newest section of the Larry Scott Trail rarely  explored. One part feels like you’re in a treehouse looking down at a pond.

We stopped to notice birds, trees, shrubs, insects, mushrooms,  and many signs of autumn. A couple of years ago an enormous hornet nest graced the limb of a spindly tree in this area.

Sword FernWe suggested bringing water, layers of clothing, hiking shoes, binoculars, and field guides. Michele at JLTnatural@saveland.org was the contact for location and details.

Elwha Dams Removal Tour and Hike

On August 15, 2017, the Natural History Society featured an overview of the largest dam removals in the world so far — the demolition of both the Glines Canyon Dam, which formed Lake Mills, and the Elwha Dam, which formed Lake Aldwell.

We started at the Glines Canyon Dam overlook, where there are extensive views of the Elwha River both above and below the former dam, and took the marked trail less than a mile to the riverbed. The trail passes through revegetated areas of the former Lake Mills and leads to terraces of sediment, now covered with lupine. It is not a steep trail, but hiking shoes and hiking poles were advised.

We then visited the Elwha River interpretive center, where murals and signage outline the history of human interaction with the Elwha River.

Finally, we drove to the mouth of the Elwha, where there is now a beautiful sandy beach, as a result of the Elwha River again being free-flowing.

Jean Mann kindly planned our visit to three sites; we met at 9:00 am to carpool and returned by 5:00 pm. Jean at JLTnatural@saveland.org coordinated carpool details.

A Summer Hike

Members of the Natural History Society joined for a summer hike on July 11, 2017 to Hurricane Ridge with native plant buffs, Coca Sanchez and Dana Ecelberger. Coca and Dana are local landscapers, Rare Care volunteers, and graduates of the Land Trust’s first Northwest Naturalist course.

We carpooled from Port Townsend to Hurricane Ridge. From there we hiked the Roaring Winds/Obstruction Point Trail, a 6.4-mile round-trip hike with 1,400 feet of elevation gain. Dogs were not allowed, per the National Park rules.

Obstruction Point Trail is the highest trail in the Park, passing through alpine country and great viewsheds. We expected to see early season wildflowers, such as Glacier Lily, Phlox, Frittilarias, and orchids.

We recommended: layers for temperature fluctuations, plenty of food and water, field guides, binoculars, hand lenses, hiking boots, hats, and hiking poles. A group of 12 or less was preferred, but we did not turn anyone away.

Lee at JLTnatural@saveland.org provided details.

Lower Graywolf Botanizing Walk

On June 21, 2017, the Natural History Society joined for a botanizing walk and picnic along the Lower Graywolf River.

The Lower Graywolf River trail meanders through a wide variety of northwest native plants under old growth forest of hemlock and fir reserved in the Buckhorn Wilderness. A lowland hike, the trail heads downward 1,400 feet for about two miles to the river, which is often within earshot.  The trail traverses many small feeder creeks. The Graywolf River is a beautiful, year-round stream that in the lower reaches flows through a scenic canyon cut in pillow basalt.

While the trail  continues another two miles, we stopped here. This is our lunch spot
and turn-around point.

The walk was a round trip of 4-5 miles, rated ‘2’ for difficulty. We recommended bringing a lunch, water, layers of clothing, hiking shoes, a rain jacket, field guides, and binoculars.

Marcia at  JLTnatural@saveland.org provided details about location and carpooling.