Weatherwax Trail Hiking

This loop trail winds through the coastal forest of the Weatherwax Preserve and skirts along the edge of Duck Lake, an important wetland ecosystem. This preserve exists because of the efforts of devoted stewards and community members that fought to save it from development. The result is a beautiful forest that is home to an abundance of wildlife and plant life.

The terrain is relatively flat, so it’s a great spot for families and young children to experience the joys of the outdoors.

Although it doesn’t receive quite enough annual precipitation to be considered a rainforest, it’s close – and it does contain the lush undergrowth and many other features found in true temperate rainforests, such as the one near Lake Quinault, which lies 40 miles north.

The Weatherwax has at least two dozen kinds of vegetation, including ancient Sitka spruce more than 4 feet in diameter as well as 57 varieties of mushrooms and other fungi. It’s also home to just under 100 animal species ranging from hummingbirds to black bears.

Surrounded by residential and commercial land, the preserve is located approximately 4 miles south of the city entrance, south of Ocean Lake Way and the west end of Overlake Street. A hand-built wooden arch offers an unassuming public entrance to this lush green world.

The trailhead has parking for about 6 cars. No restrooms.