Winter is a great time to go birding in Grays Harbor. The protected harbor provides important habitat to thousands of birds over the colder winter months. For those strong enough to brave a little rain and chilly weather, the payoff is huge. Explore Grays Harbor’s sandy coastlines, mountain lakes and protected marshes, all thriving with birding opportunities. Here are four places for winter bird watching in grays harbor
Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge
The Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge is one of the best places for beginner bird watching. This local spot is revered as one of the best birding spots in the country and plays a major role in the Pacific Flyway. With a unique habitat that shelters birds from the harsh coast, this spot is home to numerous species of shorebirds and waterfowl. The spring and fall months bear witness to the migration of thousands of shorebirds. Winter is less populated but still offers habitat to hundreds of birds.
Head towards the Bowerman Airport to find the boardwalk. Aptly named the Sandpiper Trail, this ADA accessible loop stretches over the estuary and offers a front-row seat to the wildlife of the coast. Bring a picnic to enjoy on one of their benches or just sit back and enjoy the view. You don’t need to bring your own binoculars as the boardwalk has two high magnifying tower viewers that let you see these little creatures in great detail. Sandpipers are a common sight along with dunlins. See if you can spot the subtle differences between the two. No passes, fees, or permits required to visit this gem.
Lake Sylvia State Park
On a hot summer’s day, Lake Sylvia State Park can be packed with families looking to soak up the sun and play in the water. Laughter and campfires fill the air. In the winter, however, the lake belongs to the birds. You may find a lone fisherman or a park ranger making rounds, but other than that the entire park is sparsely populated by humans. Many birds of prey including bald eagles, raptors, osprey, and red-tailed hawks call the lake home. Numerous species of ducks can be spotted throughout the park.
The Sylvia Creek Forestry Trail showcases Grays Harbor’s logging history on an interpretive journey. Signs lead users through thick woods, over a river crossing, through a newly planted forest, and an old logging spot with abandoned equipment. Heading north from the main parking lot, The Lake Sylvia Trail follows the perimeter of the lake. There are several spots where you can peacefully observe the lake. A Discover Pass is required everywhere within the park and can be purchased on site or online.
Johns River State Wildlife Area
You don’t have to cover yourself in moss or camouflage to go bird watching. Enjoy an easy birding adventure at Johns River State Wildlife Area. Even on the rainiest of days, your feet will stay mud-free with the paved Johns River Dike Trail. This wheelchair-accessible path meanders .57 miles through the river delta to a handicap hunting and birding blind. Take a seat and observe the subtle movements of birds across the marsh. Users are also welcome to continue past the paved portion of the dike on a foot trail into the forests.
For those looking for a longer birding expedition, the wildlife area boasts a second, more secretive trailhead. On the eastern side of the river, a small gravel parking lot lets users hike an old road for about 2 miles to reach the old Markham Cemetery (dating back to the 1800s) and views of the river.
Any regular day will be met with ducks floating the waterways, plovers scurrying across the grass, and birds of prey watching from the treetops. This wildlife area is also known to host elk and deer populations, black bears and bobcats, as well as field mice and muskrats. To access either site on Johns River, you’ll need a Discover Pass.
Damon Point State Park
Damon Point State Park has always been a popular spot for birding. On the southernmost tip of Ocean Shores, this natural area is a sanctuary for all sorts of wildlife including eagles, herons, and thousands of shorebirds. A long spit connects Protection Island to the mainland creating a perfectly secluded ecosystem where birds thrive. The colder winter weather creates the ideal habitat for the elusive snowy owls and endangered snowy plovers. These stunning birds stand out in contrast to the golden grasses and green trees of Damon Point.
The Damon Point Trail loops around the island following the old road that used to connect the island. You can also stroll along the beach and listen to the sounds of the waves but most of the birds like to reside in the heart of the island. Bring some layers and the outer point isn’t as protected as the rest of Ocean Shores. No permits, passes, or fees are needed to visit this park.
