Willapa National Wildlife Refuge - Leadbetter Point Loop

This loop takes hikers along the Bay Loop Trail in Willapa National Wildlife Refuge to the Bearberry Trail in Leadbetter Point State Park, down the Beach Trail to the Weather Beach trail back into the refuge, and to the trailhead. 

Before starting this hike, please note:

• The parking lot is shared by the refuge and Washington State Parks — a Discover Pass is required.
• An information kiosk offers information on the trails as well as the species that make Leadbetter Point home.
• Leashed dogs are permitted in Leadbetter Point State Park but not within Willapa NWR. That means dogs are welcomed on Dune Forest Trail and the Martha Jordan Birding Trail, but no others.
• Mosquitos are fierce in this area — bug spray is highly recommended. 
• Trails often flood from October through May. Be prepared for wading or turning around. 

Begin from a trailhead in the northwest corner of the parking lot. After several strides, bear right to continue onto the Bay Loop Trail. Walk through coastal forest and across a short boardwalk before bending left to follow the shoreline. Informational signs offer an education about the bay’s bird life. After following the shoreline for a quarter mile, the trail heads to the left and up from the sand and transitions to the Bearberry Trail. 

The Bearberry Trail traverses the peninsula, wrapping along the forest on the left, then ducks into the forest before bending right to cross dunes thick with scrubby vegetation. 

Note: As the trail heads toward the dunes, it enters critical bird nesting areas for the Western snowy plover. The dunes and beach here are closed to the public March 15 – Sept 30 annually. The trails themselves are open year-round; please stay on the trails. 

The final stretch of the Bearberry Trail is essentially a corridor from forest to beach through the protected nesting areas and is designated by signage and roped off areas. 

Emerge at the beach and turn left to follow the Beach Trail southward. This stretch is not so much trail as wide shoreline along the beach. Hundreds and thousands of shorebirds are regularly seen along the beach here in spring and fall. After a half mile, see another corridor of signage and roped off areas leading left and crossing back across dunes to the forest. Turn left here and continue on Weather Beach Trail inland.

Weather Beach Trail crosses back over the peninsula, passing seasonal wetlands within the dunes. There are a couple of very cool tree tunnels on this route, along with areas that flood seasonally. After 1 mile, turn left onto Dune Forest Trail and back to the parking lot. 

WTA Pro Tip: Apply bug spray before arriving at Leadbetter Point!