Woodard Bay Natural Resources Conservation Area

Nice little walk/​hike down to the water to see the harbor seals! Picnic area, rest rooms and STROLLER FRIENDLY! :) Had a nice little walk through the trees with our toddler and baby. The parking lot was kind of stinky, but it may be because it’s been so hot and dry that the inlet was pretty dried up and muddy. All around a great little ‘hike’ for people with little ones in tow.

Beautiful landscape and bay views. Nice quite and easy walk for any age. A covered great place for a picnic. Very relaxing and not many people visit. It has a small parking area that has been known for vandalism. So leave your valuables at home. That is the only reason I gave it a 4 star. Also it does have a outhouse type bathroom.

This is a beautiful trail, good for families with small children. There are a few picnic tables, lots of wildlife and gorgeous views.

So… Fengie O was going on and on about the Woodard Bay NRCA. So I figured I’d give it a try. I went on a somewhat warm day but there was a gentle breeze. I’m glad there was that breeze because walking amongst the trees can get kinda muggy and moist under the pits if you get what I’m saying. But honestly that’s part of the fun of hiking and discovering. First note, there are no dogs allowed as to not disturb the natural flora/​fauna. I believe guide dogs are acceptable though, as always.
I would advice bringing a walking stick or pole because one thing I really enjoyed about this area is that the trails are not overly obvious. They aren’t trimmed back all the way so you don’t get to really experience the woods. Now they do have a wood plank trail that I believe was put in by the Earth Corps or something that does make trekking through the forest somewhat easily. There are parts that you can somewhat venture off the trail and see what you can see. I found a stick on the side of the trail that served as my walking stick and again I’m glad I picked one up because there are uneven areas and spider webs all over the place. As someone who isn’t height challenged, I tend to get the webs directly to my face. So swishing my stick through the foliage help rid me of the nuisances.
I will also say be very aware as you walk through the woods. This is not because of a bear attack or anything but you might just step on the wildlife. There are newts and banana slugs all over the place. The banana slugs are actually pretty cool, even if they are festering pools of slime.
Another tip is to keep your mouth closed or something will fly into it. It’s easy to carry on conversation and chit and chat but the bugs like to get all up in ya. I actually didn’t have to swat often but it you leave your trap open long enough, I’m sure a little lovely will make their home in there.
One other tip, the pretty small parking lot notes that it’s a high prowl area which is ridiculous but I guess people know you’re going to be gone for a while so don’t leave good stuff in your car.
But do take your time to explore all the different trails. There are sooooo many and most are at least a mile. You really get your work out and there is so much to see as well. Super quiet as well.
Then once you get down the trail a little you’ll make it to the bay which is really cam and beautiful. It’s not murky and boggy. They are getting rid of some of the pier to make a bat habitat which should be cool too.
I always keep a gallon of water in my car because I never know when I’ll need it or if I take my dog, she might need to keep hydrated. Let me tell you I drank like half the bottle after exiting the woods. All of the trails circle back around to somewhere so it’s really hard to get lost in here. Although it may seem like you’re lost for a little while. That may be a good thing though, so you can enjoy yourself.
Lastly, when you get back to your car (if it’s still there) you may need to do the Harlem Shake to get rid of the «stowaways» that like to settle in your hair and on your clothes. I try to take nothing out with me that I didn’t go in with. Enjoy!

7000 Whitham Rd NE, where the main trail of Woodard Bay NRCA is located, IS OPEN! WOO! The wait was worth it. The trails have been extended and look much better than before. Educational signage has been added. The Discover Pass is now required to visit this area. That’s okay! The difference in this place is night and day. When I was a child (in the 1990’s) my grandmother would take me walking here. The path barely looked like a trail. It didn’t even have gravel. Just eroded dirt. Not anymore. It’s a pleasant walk with gorgeous views. It’s very close to Olympia and worth the visit.